Help... possible PARASITE

[paddyob]

One of my clown fish has little white "slivers" in its face. At first I thought it went face first at a bristleworm Because they are always picking bugs off my rocks. I was told by an LFS This is highly unlikely. Anyone seen this before? the slivers look just like bristleworm Bristles... thats my best description. several in one place (5 Or 6) And my other clown has none. There are no other fish in my tank. Please let me know if you have seen this. Removing the fish, big job. Thanks.

[Chaloupa]

I've had a few fish come too close to a bristleworm and end up with bristles in their faces...I've never removed the fish to remove the the bristles....

[naesco]

One of my clown fish has little white "slivers" in its face. At first I thought it went face first at a bristleworm Because they are always picking bugs off my rocks. I was told by an LFS This is highly unlikely. Anyone seen this before? the slivers look just like bristleworm Bristles... thats my best description. several in one place (5 Or 6) And my other clown has none. There are no other fish in my tank. Please let me know if you have seen this. Removing the fish, big job. Thanks.

I have never seen this before. Do they look like it could be tiny leech type thingies?
There is also a possibility that it could be a bacteria infection called a 'true fungus'.
If you see any evidence that the slivers are multiplying you will have to treat the fish so get a QT up and running in case.
I think they are probably bristles though.

[paddyob]

I've had a few fish come too close to a bristleworm and end up with bristles in their faces...I've never removed the fish to remove the the bristles....

So it is possible that it is not parasitic. did the bristles disappear or still visible?

[paddyob]

I have never seen this before. Do they look like it could be tiny leech type thingies?
There is also a possibility that it could be a bacteria infection called a 'true fungus'.
If you see any evidence that the slivers are multiplying you will have to treat the fish so get a QT up and running in case.
I think they are probably bristles though.

They do not look like leeches. they stand straight up from the fish as opposed to laying against the body.

[paddyob]

from the research I have done tonight, what ever is one my clown does not look anything like anchor worms. at least I did not find anything that resembles them.

[subman]

Sounds like bristle worm to me.
Pic?

[paddyob]

Sounds like bristle worm to me.
Pic?

They are so fine that my camera cannot capture them. I tried. Sorry but thanks. I hope it is just bristle worms bristles.

[paddyob]

Looks like they may be gone. This morning I only saw one sliver like thing and now I can't see any. Not sure if it was something that worked itself out.... OR IN!! Not sure if the addition of a cleaner shrimp helped. All I am sure of is that it looks good right now.

Thanks for the input.

[paddyob]

Well what ever it was, i cant see it at all now. happy about that.