What did I just pull out of my fish

[AngryRainbow]

I noticed a small red dot on the side of my juvenile opaline gourami and upon closer inspection saw a tiny clear thing protruding from it. I had never dealt with anchor worms or flukes but figured it might be one of those, so I pulled the fish out and planned on taking it off with tweezers. I was horrified that this barb came out. I've attached a pic.

The object is 1/4" long total, and if you look at the leftmost end of it there is a couple millimeters of it that is clearish. That clear part is all that I saw sticking out of the fish. There was zero resistance to me pulling it out, I was just shocked at what came out.

The tank inhabitants are pearl gourami, otos, black kuhlI loaches, guppies, amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, nerite snails, and all four types of the common "pest" snails. I don't think any of these have barbs such as plecos so I can't figure out what this mystery thing is that was in my fish.

 

[kallililly1973]

It looks like a daggar. Honestly I think it could b an anchor worm?

 

[AngryRainbow]

It looks like a daggar. Honestly I think it could b an anchor worm?

It's completely stiff and did not move at all when I pulled it. Wouldn't a worm be a little floppy?

 

[Brizburk]

Do you any catfish?

 

[AngryRainbow]

The tank inhabitants are pearl gourami, otos, black kuhlI loaches, guppies, amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, nerite snails, and all four types of the common "pest" snails. I don't think any of these have barbs such as plecos so I can't figure out what this mystery thing is that was in my fish.

 

[MacZ]

Otos... But they have no stingers.

 

[kallililly1973]

It's completely stiff and did not move at all when I pulled it. Wouldn't a worm be a little floppy?

Is it a splinter from a piece of driftwood possibly? aside from that I would also agree it could be a spine from another fish.

 

[Brizburk]

Is it a splinter from a piece of driftwood possibly? aside from that I would also agree it could be a spine from another fish.

I was thinking the same, splinter from wood or he got tangled with a catfish.


It almost looks like part of a pectoral fin - stinging part. But I'm not am expert

 

[MacZ]

As stupid as it may sound, maybe your gourami broke a rib?

 

[AngryRainbow]

Is it a splinter from a piece of driftwood possibly? aside from that I would also agree it could be a spine from another fish.

I considered a splinter from wood, but that doesn't seem to be it since part of it is clear. I know plecos and cories have spines that may do this, but which of the fish I listed could do this?

 

[MacZ]

but which of the fish I listed could do this?

None of them, that's why we all stopped suggesting them.

 

[AngryRainbow]

At this point the rib could be likely. It's just so odd and I've no idea how she could have broken it to the point of it breaking flesh like that.

Location wise, it was right by where the fishes ribs are

 

[plecodragon]

could possibly be a kuhlI loach spike? They do have defensive spikes, loaches do.

 

[AngryRainbow]

could possibly be a kuhlI loach spike? They do have defensive spikes, loaches do.

Interesting, this is the first I've heard this. I've also never observed them on my own loaches, where are the spikes located?

 

[Brizburk]

I considered a splinter from wood, but that doesn't seem to be it since part of it is clear. I know plecos and cories have spines that may do this, but which of the fish I listed could do this?

Idk about the Otto but the pleco could. I'd monitor all the catfish for broken or torn fins and injuries or anything odd like that

 

[AngryRainbow]

Idk about the Otto but the pleco could. I'd monitor all the catfish for broken or torn fins and injuries or anything odd like that

There is no pleco in the tank

 

[Gone]

The anchor worms I've seen have a distinct "Y" shape on the end.

 

[A201]

Looks like a Botia Loach eye blade. Maybe injury occured in vendor's tank.

 

[AngryRainbow]

Looks like a Botia Loach eye blade. Maybe injury occured in vendor's tank.

This may be possible. I've had her for 2 months though and have only just noticed the red dot today. Perhaps it's infection setting in just now?

 

[MedicMike]

Wanna get us a pic of your tank? that might lead to an idea... I could be fiberglass from décor. That seems possible if you have a fake ship or tunnel... Lets see what you're working with.

 

[AngryRainbow]

Only decor in the tank is driftwood and live plants unfortunately.

 

[MedicMike]

Looks like a really nice tank you got there! I'm not seeing anything that I can think it came from besides the driftwood. No chance any of those plants have stiff stalks, right? Seems like a bit of mystery for sure!

 

[AngryRainbow]

No none of the plants have stiff stalks. A splinter was my original guess as well but the portion sticking out of the fish was clear which I can't think of a logical answer to how that would happen to a splinter.

I know the best anyone can do is speculate, and I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[Brizburk]

There is no pleco in the tank

Oops sorry

 

[Noroomforshoe]

Be glad its not Anchor worms!!
Keep an eye out for more, add a stress coat product to help the fish heal.

 

[jake37]

The kuhlI have spines in the head region - like most loaches. Honestly I don't think it is from a kuhlI - I mean it is possible but it doesn't feel right. I wonder if it could have been in the fish for a while - like a splinter and it finally worked it way to the surface. Also is it clean or is there a bit of blood still on it ? I think if you took a knife to the end of it you could determine pretty quickly if it was ceramic; wood; organic or bone. Also is the clear end naturally pointed or is it broken off of something - you might be able to tell with a magnifying glass. If it is pointed then I guess it could be a defensive spine either from the kuhlI or from some distant past that had been in the fish for a period of time.
-
Btw how large are your kuhlI ? I have some that are pretty small (skinny little creatures 1/4 or less diameter) but others that are monsters (very thick). I was just observing one of these monsters today and it must be edging towards 1/2 inch diameter.

 

[Kevin1962]

Just speculating here, but don't many shrimp have spikes on the heads?