white worms burried in the skin

[Dive_Master]

My tang appears to have some kind of a worm(s) (1/4 inch - 1/2 inch long) burried in the skin (in the forehead and gills).

It is white. It comes in and out once in a while. There are creators in the skin of the fish. Only in the head.

What the hell is it? Is it contagious? Do I need to disinfect the tank, since I am changing it over to a reef?

[rwag]

Yuk! Sorry to hear.

[SomeHairyOldGuy]

Can fish catch AIDS? What ever it is I am sure its not good. Good luck to ya and yo fish.
SHOG

[FishKid]

you have any cleaner shrimp? they might work..

[rwag]

Cleaner shrimp army if they are 1/2" long!

[Rin]

I had a false perc with something similiar. I was able to do a freshwater dip and then grab the stunned little worm with a pair of tweezers.

Unfortunately, the fish died a week later from a secondary infection in the wound the worm left behind.

Good luck