What on earth is this !!!

Hey all

I was watching my fish today when i noticed something wrong with my Powder Blue Tang. He appeared to be showing signs of aggression (flared fins, intense coloring) which is what caught my attention. I looked a little closer and realized that the Tang was actually in distress as it had a worm hanging out of its ass. It was trying to everything to get rid of it. It was prompting my other fish to take a bite of it and was also trying to squeeze it out. After trying for a couple of minutes with no success I decided he was in trouble and could use a hand. As i was trying to net him out the worm came out. Probably cause the Tang literally shat himself when he saw the net ;D.

So anywho when the worm came out i instantly caught it and put in a cup to look at later. I took some photos as well to help in identifying it.


This is it. Its about 5-6 cm long and was living in my Tang which is about 11-12 cm long for god knows how long.


Same disgusting little thing just a different background


This is just a picture of the Tang minutes after the whole ordeal. It appears fine (no excessive panting, color seems ok and no other visible signs of trauma). It is however a little skittish though (which is usually a sign that something is wrong).

What i am really asking is WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW !!!
This doesn't look good and im concerned that this isn't the last encounter im going to be having with this worm (or its friends).

Any info what so ever is much appreciated

Cheers, Nick

 

I suppose it is one of the common parasitic Plathelmintes, that feed on fish. Correct me if I'm wrong but the common name of it may be: the tape worm. :-/

 

Don't eat that tang!

Fish Tapeworm

 

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

 

/shiver

 

/shiver

God I love Smileys.

 

Does it look like the blue tangs eyes are bulging out to anyone else? He is like HOLY CRAP I JUST CRAPPED A WORM :0

 

OK, this topic has made me very queasy but I found some info links on roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms:

AquariumFish.com :: Aquarium Fish International :: The monthly magazine for both novice and expert aquarium hobbyists.

Nematode (Roundworm) Infections in Fish

think I'm skipping lunch today

 

okay...this is an oldie but a goodie....since we are talking about worms in fish tanks...check this link out! While you are there, check this guys tank out too.

Oregonreef.com