Wrasse vs bristleworm?

[Bob]

Not really sure if this is the case but last nite I saw my fairy wrasse with what looked like a bunch of small spines (maybe 8 or 9) in one eye and two on a gill cover. I cant imagine what this could be other than from a bristleworm (I have quite a few). Because they are so small/fine I doubt I will be able to remove. Will I loose this fish? Will the fish loose an eye? Will the spines eventually fall out or dissolve? Does anyone have any other thoughts or experiences along this line? Thanx in advance for any experiences.

[treesprite]

do wrasses eat bristle worms?

[jason the filter freak]

I imagine your fish should be ok, unfortunately I don't think there is much you can do.

Edited November 19, 2007 by jason the filter freak

[Bob]

UPDATE Wrasse seems to be doing well. Looks like he has a cloudy eye but is making it around and eating ok. All the spines seem to be gone. Luckily for us nature frequently takes care of her own.

[Lee Stearns]

Good to hear that your fairy wrasse is coming around.

I have a radiant wrasse about 6 inches and he cleans up any small bristle worms-

Will not eat the larger older ones, but I rarely see one any more.

[jamesbuf]

I agree. My leopard and Melanurus wrasses are slowly whittling down my bristeworm population. Thank goodness. I hate those things. I'm still recovering from my stings over a month ago.

[lawnboy]

My cooperband eat all my bristle worms.