Anthias with SAPROLEGNIA

BigHildy53 · Dec 30, 2016

I have an anthias with what I believe is saprolegnia. It's a white fungus on his scales. It's one spot that has grown quickly. I returned from being out of town and saw the spot. I have my QT setup. Catching the fish will be a challenge; a 180g DT. My number one preference is to get the fish into QT and treat there. Second option is to treat in the main tank using Kordon Rid Fungus and/or API Pimafix. I have one toadstool, several zoas, on polyp and three new SPS frags.

I'm looking for opinions and options for treatment. Has anyone used either of these products safely in a reef tank?

I'm planning several partial water changes over the next few days.

Thanks.

Deinonych · Dec 30, 2016

Can you post a picture? Fungal infections are pretty rare with marine fish - might be bacterial instead.

Humblefish · Dec 30, 2016

Deinonych said:
Can you post a picture? Fungal infections are pretty rare with marine fish - might be bacterial instead.

+1 Or a virus (like Lymphocystis)

BigHildy53 · Dec 30, 2016

I have him in QT. Catching him was quicker than I thought it was; but there were three of us with nets...

. Here are some pictures. One with flash and one without.

Humblefish · Dec 30, 2016

That is probably a bacterial disease, but I cannot say for certain that it is not a rare fungal infection.

I've been unsuccessful in treating fish with similar looking infections using my "go to" antibiotics.

I told myself the next time I encountered it I would try either Triple Sulfa Powder or roll the dice on Melafix + Pimafix combo.

melypr1985 · Dec 30, 2016

Oh boy that looks bad. I'd go with humble on this one. Looks bacterial to me as well, but hard to say for sure.

BigHildy53 · Dec 30, 2016

Thank you both. At present I used Kordon Methylene Blue. I'll let this stay as is for the night. Then I'll do a partial water change and try the Melafix + Pimafix combo; since I have those in the house.

Should I try to gently rub it off the skin?

zaekor · Dec 30, 2016

Wow, that does not look good. Good luck with this man, sorry I don't have any information to share.

melypr1985 · Dec 30, 2016

BigHildy53 said:
Thank you both. At present I used Kordon Methylene Blue. I'll let this stay as is for the night. Then I'll do a partial water change and try the Melafix + Pimafix combo; since I have those in the house.

Should I try to gently rub it off the skin?

I wouldn't. You can accidentally damage what's left of the slime coat in other areas of the fish lessening his chances of getting better. I'll hold a good thought for him though... I really hope he pulls through.

BigHildy53 · Dec 31, 2016

The fish didn't make it over night. And neither did my phone. What shouldn't you do with your phone when you have a GoPro with a waterproof case? Listen to the voice that said "It's just a quick picture. I'll be careful". When taking the picture my phone dropped into the water. It didn't go far down because I had netted the fish for the picture. But still, water and electronics don't mix. Tried rice overnight but the phone won't charge. Double loss.

Humblefish · Dec 31, 2016

BigHildy53 said:
The fish didn't make it over night. And neither did my phone. What shouldn't you do with your phone when you have a GoPro with a waterproof case? Listen to the voice that said "It's just a quick picture. I'll be careful". When taking the picture my phone dropped into the water. It didn't go far down because I had netted the fish for the picture. But still, water and electronics don't mix. Tried rice overnight but the phone won't charge. Double loss.

That really sucks, on both accounts.