Harpacticoid Copepods = Parasitic ?

[SoloStyl]

Hello to everyone,

Long story short, Harpacticoid/Copepods pods are now on bot my QT and Main Tank. I believe the culprit was LFS saltwater I purchased for a 20% water change.

Here'a a pic thanks to Melevsreef. Melevsreef.com - Copepod
(sorry if I cant link to that Melev and RL Ops)

It says on that Link that they are "Desireable", but I'm left wondering after what I saw in my QT tank. I also read at another scientific website, that some of these Pods can be parasitic in nature.(cant remember the site now), which is what leaves to believe that they are/might be be bad for the tank. Now im confused. :O|

These Harpacticoids started attaching themselves to the Clown in the thousands, making me believe they are parasites and probably -since the fish are sick- they prefer him because of his open wound.

They look like "White Lice". They move quickly and jerkily. Free floating but mostly on glass. Worried they are going to kill my Main Tank inhabitants.
Yellow Tang, 5 Chromis, 2 Cleaner Shrimp, Turbo Snails and Blue legged Crabs(about 20 of each), Cinnamon Clown and Cardinal but they are in the QT.

In my QT, I have 2 sick fish, Cinnamon Clown and a Cardinal. Both were sick BEFORE the water change.Clown has a "Ulcer" (hole on his side). Both are being treated with Maracyn 1 and 2.

These Harpacticoids started attaching themselves to the Clown in the thousands, making me believe they are parasites and probably -since the fish are sick- they prefer him because of his open wound.

So, are these Harpacticoids harmful? I'm starting to believe they are. Were not there a week ago before I did the water change.

So what's the vertict from those who know?, 'cuz I don't. Thanks.

[wozza]

i know that some species of Copepod can be parasitic and if you have them in your main tank i realy dont know what to suggest, but i think i can help out wiht getting them off your clown.
If your clown is in QT then i suggest treating that tank with a copper
see leebca's guide on it, Copper - Treatment, Use, Problems


also to find out more info on copepods this is a great link.
Bitty Bugs: Copepods in the Reef Aquarium by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com
good luck james

[SoloStyl]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Leebca rocks! Thanks for the copper treatment info and link. Not sure if I'm going to do this though as I'm quite new to the hobby, but will definitely read up on this some more.

My concern with the copper treatment is :

If the sick fish are treated with copper meds, will the fish give a copper residue after being put on the Main Tank? In other words, will copper stick to the fish's slime coat or will it dissipate in the QT.

I know that copper is deadly for many Inverts and Corals. Just want to get the most info I can. Thanks.

[leebca]

Fish won't carry the copper to another tank -- it is just in the water and sticks or reacts to other surfaces.

The best remedy for surface copepods/pod infestations are medicines that contain organophosphates (e.g., Fluke Tabs, & Dylox). Clout has been used for this, but Clout is not good for the fish.