I noticed my pet sunfish has some weird looking parasite things on him. I’ve been keeping native fish for years and I’ve never seen this. Any ideas what this is?

It is hard to tell from the picture, but it appears to be an anchor worm (Lernaea spp.). The “worm” is actually a crustacean copepod parasite. They can kill your fish. Treatment can be difficult. There are products available from pet stores or online that you can try. I would start with a salt bath for the fish, but this can be stressful and you still have to deal with contamination in the tank.

Have no idea what it could be. Barry (Osbornfishing) would have a pretty good idea of what it is. Hope you will be able to treat it.

Thanks for the help. I have been treating it with some standard fish parasite killer from walmart and it seems to be working! Looks like ole Paris may make it after all.

good luck

Good to hear. Let us know when the fish gets better.

Nearly two weeks later and they are all parasite free, including patient zero. Thanks again for the advice.

Yippie. I am glad you were able to cure your fish.