Tiny growth on my Senegal Bichir's head

[Anskar]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

No data

If yes, what is your nitrite?

<0.1mg/L

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

11-20%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every month

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Yesterday I've noticed this small growth protruding from one of the slits on my senegal's head, it's about as tall as it is wide and I am hoping one of you can tell me what it is and what I can do about it.

Here's a photo:



Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Rocksor]

can you get a side shot of the growth? It's rather concerning that you have nitrite reading.

 

[kno4te]

Don’t look like much. Maybe a growth but would leave alone and watch.

 

[Anskar]

can you get a side shot of the growth? It's rather concerning that you have nitrite reading.

I only have a nitrite testing solution, and it's from the 90s so probably way expired and I didn't get a reading, it just stayed at the original color corresponding to 0.1mg/L or less, in retrospect I shouldnt have bothered to include that. I am planning to get a real testing kit asap.

Here's a side view of the growth, it's from an angle where you don't actually see the entire growth but just its tip so just imagine it to be a little bigger. I'll try to get a better shot tomorrow.

 

[Rocksor]

Could be a parasitic worm that's common on bichirs. Have you treated with praziquental (Hikari Prazipro or API General Cure)? If not, then try treating it for 7 days.

 

[Anskar]

Could be a parasitic worm that's common on bichirs. Have you treated with praziquental (Hikari Prazipro or API General Cure)? If not, then try treating it for 7 days.

Would fenbendazole work aswell? I already have that on hand.

 

[Rocksor]

Would fenbendazole work aswell? I already have that on hand.

Maybe. Have you taken the bichir out and made sure it wasn't a loss scale?

 

[Anskar]

Maybe. Have you taken the bichir out and made sure it wasn't a loss scale?

Nope I haven't touched him, do they just lose scales?

 

[Rocksor]

Nope I haven't touched him, do they just lose scales?

If it's spooked and hit decoration or the trim of the tank. They do go up for air pretty quickly. I would handle it carefully (in the net with a wet towel underneath it) and use my nail to inspect it further.

 

[Anskar]

I see, it didn't look like anything was missing to me but I'll take another look with that possibility in mind ty