Anthias Saga continues...Please help

clhardy5 · Mar 30, 2021

For those who have followed my Anthias Ich problem here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/anthias-with-ich.816743/#post-8761981.

There is an update I need help with. I'm 3 days into full strength copper treatment ( 2.0 ppm Coppersafe/Hanna checker). Two of the Anthias, and the hawkfish are doing fine. Eating and swimming as usual. However, one female Anthias has not eaten in two days, stays close to the bottom, and looks ragged. Shows no interest in food/swimming/anything else.

I'm afraid she is going to die, if I don't do something else quick. I can do TTM on her alone....and leave the others in Copper. But just know what's best.

Looking for any and all advice before she dies.

Justanano · Mar 30, 2021

Soooo you started another emergency thread on the same thing? I understand you want help but everyone is helping all they can in one thread stating a new one doesn't help

clhardy5 · Mar 30, 2021

Justanano said:
Soooo you started another emergency thread on the same thing? I understand you want help but everyone is helping all they can in one thread stating a new one doesn't help

Its a different problem....a dying fish, as opposed to how to treat Ich. But I understand. Sorry. I'm not sure if I can delete...but I'll try.

Edited to add....Can't seem to delete. Please just ignore.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 30, 2021

can you post latest pics to perform the best assessment of current issue ?

Jay Hemdal · Mar 30, 2021

clhardy5 said:
Its a different problem....a dying fish, as opposed to how to treat Ich. But I understand. Sorry. I'm not sure if I can delete...but I'll try.

Edited to add....Can't seem to delete. Please just ignore.

Sometimes, copper just isn't fast enough to stop fish loss. Can you post of picture of this fish? Any chance it is getting picked on?

Jay

clhardy5 · Mar 30, 2021

Here is the best video I could get:
Sick Anthias

and the best picture:

Sorry it is so blurry. My iphone camera was limited. The fish was getting picked on prior to the Ich, and Copper Treatment. I put a aquarium separator (the black thing she is push against), so she hasn't been chased for 3 days - or since I started Copper.

I'm just at a loss. I hate to lose her.

Jay Hemdal · Mar 30, 2021

clhardy5 said:
Here is the best video I could get:
Sick Anthias

and the best picture:

Sorry it is so blurry. My iphone camera was limited. The fish was getting picked on prior to the Ich, and Copper Treatment. I put a aquarium separator (the black thing she is push against), so she hasn't been chased for 3 days - or since I started Copper.

I'm just at a loss. I hate to lose her.

I can’t see if it has any tail fin damage, but I can see it is breathing rapid and shallowly. I can’t see any ich on it, so the TTM probably won’t help and would only increase the stress from handling. I think you just need to stay the course and hope for the best with it.
Jay

IKD · Mar 30, 2021

I usually like to use TTM, but when they are already stressed out I don’t think it’s a good idea. Isolating and keep treating with copper is my recommendation

clhardy5 · Mar 30, 2021

She didn't make it :-(. I hate losing fish....

clhardy5 · Mar 31, 2021

The other smaller female looked ragged this morning. When I first went in, she was laying at the bottom. However, she did eat. She is separated from the larger Anthias as well - but you can see that her fins are ragged. The long nose hawkfish has never shown ANY aggression....so I'm not sure if this is related to the treatment/sickness....or something else. I have my fingers crossed since at least she is still eating. I will do a large water change this morning (making sure copper is maintained at the right level)

If anyone has any other ideas about what might be happening....I'm all ears.

Jay Hemdal · Mar 31, 2021

Sharp tears in fins like that are almost always caused be aggression from another fish. The trouble is, you may never see the act itself, the fish tend to behave when you’re around. One trick is to leave your phone videoing the tank and then leave the room.
Based on the fin damage though, you should isolate this fish from all others until it heals.
Jay

clhardy5 · Mar 31, 2021

Will do. I’ll move the hawkfish to the other side of the barrier.

clhardy5 · Apr 1, 2021

Hawkfish was moved yesterday. Today, the Anthias is refusing food, and now appears to have an eye injury. She is breathing fast - and shallow. Is there any hope?

Jay Hemdal · Apr 1, 2021

It does look rough. Eye damage is really common in these if they smack into the tank wall or when they are netted.
Just to check, it is still in full copper?
Jay

clhardy5 · Apr 1, 2021

Jay Hemdal said:
It does look rough. Eye damage is really common in these if they smack into the tank wall or when they are netted.
Just to check, it is still in full copper?
Jay

Yes. 2ppm Coppersafe. Oh....and I didn't net her. I just lifted the black barrier, and scooted the Hawkfish to the other side. For reference, the other Anthias is doing great. Eating and swimming, and getting fat.Healthy Anthias