Unresolved Cleaner Shrimp with parasite

I just got back from the fish store about 30 minutes ago. I temperature acclimated my two cleaner shrimp and made the the salinity was close. They both appeared to be fine(aside form one only having 5 of 6 legs) and are active now in the tank. Then I noticed this...after I put them in the tank.



I think it is a parasite. But what is it exactly and what do I do about it? Can I remove it with tweezers? It's fairly large. The shrimp is about 1" long and the white spot is the same width as the abdomen.

temp.: 80* F
salinity: 1.026

 

Whatever it is, both shrimp appear to have it along their carapace.

 

Seano, there is a parasite that targets cleaner shrimp, but I am tired and can not remember the name to save my life right now. Curt will probably know.

 

Thanks. It's sad to see this after finally getting something for the tank. Can this be removed or is it their fate?

 

If I remember correctly very difficult to remove, it is not parasitic to most inverts or fish though.

Disappointing I am sure. Sorry I can not be of more assist. I will see what I can find, I believe there was a thread on 3reef addressing it though.

 

Sorry this is the thread I was thinking of.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/inverts/sick-cleaner-shrimp-any-ideas-what-99906.html

Yours looks nothing like that, so I am at a loss.

 

^That one almost looks like it's covered in little ticks. Mine is just one central lump on each of the shrimp. But thanks for the link.

 

Seanno,
This condition is very common in cleaner shrimp. I have seen it many times. The only thing we could deduce was it may have been from a bad molt or injury while molting. After the shrimp molts its new carapace is soft and sensitive to injury.(thats why they hide during this time) It was our conclusion that an abrasion at this time was causing the lumps to form. It should go away after it molts again. Keep an eye on them but if they are still eating they should be fine. We did have one report from a person that his had the lump for over a year but don't know how factual that experience was. All the others we encountered disappeared after molting. Good luck!8)

 

Thanks for the feedback, vinny.

I have not fed them, but I probably will do so tomorrow.

 

Np bud. Good luck and let us know how they are doing.8)