Royal Gramma "whiskers"

[gshelton]

I've just noticed what look like little white whiskers on the side of my royal gramma's face. They are only on one side and on the chin. About 1/8 of an inch long, white, they look stiff and straight. The fish is not acting weird; not trying to scrape them off; eating okay.

I'll try to get a pic. Any ideas as to what it might be and how to get rid of it?

 

[mfinn]

Really need a picture.

 

[leebca]

It could be a number of things, including parasites. It depends on what else you have in your display tank. Are their any bristleworms? Those 'whiskers' are often the bristles stuck in the fish that tried to tackle one of those worms. Watch it closely for any signs of getting worse. If it does/you think it is getting worse, post a picture. If it was a bristleworm of some kind, the hairs should go away in a couple of days.

 

[gshelton]

I do have bristle worms. I'll bet that's what it is. I'll keep an eye on it and if anything changes I will post a picture and provide more details. Thanks, Lee.