urgent: shrimp tumor

[mattstewart]

I just got back from the LFS and picked up a peppermint shrimp. well I just noticed while acclimating that there is a large white growth coming out of its side. it almost looks like it ate a baseball or something. what should I do with this thing? Can I throw it in the tank or no?

here is a bad pic

 

[Putawaywet]

It's a bit difficult to tell from the pic but my guess is it's some kind of parasitic copepod. I've seen them on various crustacea over the years. They usually become encapsulated under the exoskeleton so it kinda looks like a cloudy mass inside a protective bubble.

The 2 I had that were inflicked didn't seem all that worse for wear, however I really couldn't say for sure if the thing posed any great harm or compromised the anaimal's lifespan.

Brett

 

[Anonymous]

My feeling is that it is parasite too. However, somethings shrimps do get these unusual growth that is due to disease. Good luck.

 

[mattstewart]

parasites. gross. these options seem like things that i wouldn't want to put in my tank.

thanks for the replies