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Airborne
10/14/2011, 10:06 PM
Just noticed that both of my Purple Dart Fish have been stabbed or stuck by something in the tank.

They both have spikes sticking out of the top of their heads that are clear. Any idea what may have caused this?

Thanks
usatennisfan
10/15/2011, 07:50 AM
Urchins? Have any pictures?
BBraker
10/15/2011, 09:28 AM
If the spikes are tiny, I'd say Bristleworm spines.

Bill
rssjsb
10/15/2011, 11:14 AM
If the spikes are tiny, I'd say Bristleworm spines.

BillThat would be my guess, too. Probably a bristle invaded their bolt-hole. I've seen this on my clowns from time to time, usually when they've had eggs to guard.
Airborne
10/15/2011, 09:20 PM
Will it end up killing them?

That is what they look like bristles.

Thanks
small alien
10/15/2011, 10:02 PM
They should be okay. I've seen those on my fire fish and my rainford's goby. The rainford's was pretty bad and disfigured the fish's mouth a bit but it kept on trucking.
rssjsb
10/16/2011, 09:37 AM
It was never a problem for my clowns. Just watch them for signs of a secondary infection, but my prediction is that the bristles will disappear and your fish will be fine.