Rainbow Shark Gill Flukes?

[CaptainSupport]

Hey all,

I’m writing to ask anyone who might know what this is. I have a rainbow shark in a 20 gallon long with a few Celebes rainbows. They get along fine, and the rainbows are doing just dandy. However, my shark is flashing, in episodes. For example, he will flash 10 times rapidly and then will not flash for hours. I wrote this off as itchy sand, but I noticed he has a small red patch next to his gill. No signs of ich thus far. See photos. Is this Gill flukes? I’ve never had to deal with flukes before.
Water parameters are Ammonia: 0 Nitrite: 0 Nitrate: 5ppm
I do weekly water changes of 30-45%.
Thanks!

 

[StarGirl]

I hope someone can help you. Your shark looks pretty good. Maybe A201 or DoubleDutch may see something I dont?

 

[A201]

Formalin is very effective against gill flukes. Before you nuke your tank with meds, try upping the temp to 86 degrees & leave it for 10 days. The RS might be battling Ick.
Ick often starts unseen in the gills. A strong fish might be able to slough it off. The heat will help ensure the fish sheds the bugs.

 

[CaptainSupport]

I only have furan 2, pazipro, and dewormers in stock so I'll have to order Formalin if I choose to go that way. Isn't that stuff dangerous to handle though? Ick starts in the gills? I thought it was exclusive to the scales. I'll try heating the temperature up, thank you!