Protein Worms

[hunk]

I have a problem, just today, I have introduced 1 bi colour angel, 1 mandrain and 1 butterfly, but they seems to get infested by some white coloured tomites and these tomites are free swimming creatures and they stick to the fishes bodies and fins.

I have asked my LFS (local fish store) and they say that my protein level is too high. I can safely say that it is not ich as they are visble with tiny swimming flippers ( I presumed). Maybe its another species of Ich. Any way, I dont like the idea of them sticking to my fishes.

The worst thing is, I am unable to add cure to it as my tank is full of inverts like hammer branch, mushrooms, leather, sea apple, fire shrimp etc.

Lastly, these are the specs of my tank

45 Gallons SW
60lbs LR (cured)
Nitrites 0.1
Ph 8.4
KH 10dkh
SG 1.022

Lighting, 2 tubes of 30w, 10,000k each


Are there any suggestion for remedies. I am open to all suggestions Please help!!!!!!



:shake:

[Dale W.]

Is there any way you can post a picture of what you are describing?

How long has this tank been set up and what kind of maintanance do you do on it.

I am guessing that it may be one of the many isopod or copapod species but they generally do not attach themselves to fish. We could use a little more info on what you are looking at and your full set up.

[OrionGirl]

Sounds like either parasitic isopods, or flat worms--neither of which is good. Removing the fish for treatment is really your best option--and maybe re-thinking their addition, depending on the setup. Search on Parasitic Isopods, and see if they match your problem. I will say that is it not ich--the tomites of ich are microscopic; there is not way you could see them swimming around your tank with your naked eye.

If the mandarin is a juvenile, it probably is not taking prepared foods, and you may be hard pressed to keep it well-fed.

Butterflies are often not safe around corals--they often nip and eat corals in the wild, and I don't trust them in reef tanks.

Angels are a mixed bag. Some are well behave, others are nippy to corals as well.