Agressive Isopods

[gmodss1]

I found an Isopod attached to the tail of my yellow tang, luckily my tang is such an attention hog that when I put my hands into the tank he comes running. i took a toothpick and flicked it off of him. The problem is the critter is still in my tank somewhere and where there is one I am afraid there is more. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of them before they get to my fish again.

[CarmieJo]

This definitely sounds like a parasitic isopod. They will attach to humans so you might want to invest in aquarium gloves. They only way I know to get rid of them is to physically catch them. Here is an article about isopods. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/rs/index.php

[gmodss1]

My thoughts exactly,,,,,,,,I have built a couple of homemade traps baited with shrimp in hopes of catching them,,,,we will see what happens

[Amphibious]

I don’t think the trap will work because they feed on living tissue of a host fish. If there is a next time, catch the fish in a net and flick the thing into the whirlpool bath. If you know what I mean.

Personally, I wouldn’t worry about the Isopod attacking or attaching to you. They prefer a fishy meal as opposed to humans.

[CarmieJo]

I agree, a trap is not likely to catch it unless it is baited with a live fish.

[mpcolson]

Ah.. finally a good reason to get rid of those nasty damsels.... here mr. isopod...

[CarmieJo]

ah.. Finally a good reason to get rid of those nasty damsels.... Here mr. Isopod...

lol!!