Bald Spot and Missing Fin on Goby

[FindingEmily]

So I asked this on my build thread, but haven't heard from anyone yet and I'm a bit of a worrier. My bluefin watchman goby is missing one of his fins on top (very scientific, I know). I've attached a picture. It looks like maybe he scraped it against a rock, since he does live in a cave. But now he won't let either of my cleaner shrimp touch him and swims away whenever they come near. Just wondering what it might be, if I should worry or not. I don't have super recent parameters right now, was just hoping to maybe get an idea. He's been hiding in his cave a bit more and not eating as pig-like as before.

Here's my parameters from a week or so ago, so they shouldn't be too far off of this.

If anyone can give me some sort of what this could be, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Humblefish]

It looks like the skin where his dorsal fin used to be is now raw (i.e. the bald spot). Is this a correct observation?

 

[FindingEmily]

Yes that's how it looks

 

[Humblefish]

Yes that's how it looks

Very possible an infection has now set in. Can you QT him in a small tank? He would probably benefit from some antibiotics (Kanaplex), although I'm unsure if the dorsal fin will ever grow back.

 

[FindingEmily]

It is fairly hard to tell if the fin is completely gone or he just has it down. I have a QT up and running right now because I'm planning on getting some clownfish at the end of the week. Looks like I have to go buy another tank. Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

 

[Humblefish]

It is fairly hard to tell if the fin is completely gone or he just has it down. I have a QT up and running right now because I'm planning on getting some clownfish at the end of the week. Looks like I have to go buy another tank. Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

It's possible he could also benefit from Melafix and/or Pimafix (and those are reef safe). Those are herbal remedies, but I know people that I trust who have had success using those to repair fin damage. But if the skin damage is due to infection, he'll need antibiotics.

 

[FindingEmily]

If it turns out he doesn't have an infection, but I treat him with antibiotics anyways, will he develop some sort of antibiotic resistance down the line?

 

[Humblefish]

If it turns out he doesn't have an infection, but I treat him with antibiotics anyways, will he develop some sort of antibiotic resistance down the line?

Unlikely, so long as you only treat for 10 days.

 

[FindingEmily]

Well until I can get my hands on medication, 2 day shipping with Amazon or I'll check the LFS, I'll just have to keep an eye on him. Treating him in a QT is one thing. Getting him out of his cave will be the real challenge.
Thanks again for all your help!!

 

[psirex]

Poor dude hope it works out

 

[FindingEmily]

Well came home after work to check on him.. And there's white stringy poop. He's still eating but I need to get him in a hospital tank. I'm about to head to the store to get supplies. Any other ideas about what it could be?

 

[Humblefish]

White stringy poop = intestinal worms. You will need either Prazipro or metronidazole (Metroplex, Metro-MS). If you can find API General Cure, that contains both prazi & metro.

 

[FindingEmily]

Is this an isolated incident or will it affect other things in the tank? This is the only fish in the tank. Other animals are some Trochus snails, 2 cleaner shrimp and a tiger tail cucumber.

 

[Humblefish]

This is a "fish only" disease, so there is no danger to your corals/inverts.

 

[FindingEmily]

You have been a huge help! Thank you!

 

[FindingEmily]

Catching him was actually easier than I thought. And his wound is worse than I thought. I'm treating with prazipro but is there anything else I can use in conjunction with this? I also picked up Melafix so I have some on hand.

 

[FindingEmily]

Here's a closer picture

 

[Humblefish]

After 72 hrs, I would do a large WC / run carbon on the QT and then dose Melafix. Remove carbon before dosing Melafix.

In a week you will need to do another WC / run carbon and dose Prazipro a second time. But I don't like mixing Prazipro with other meds due to the Oxybispropanol (solubilizing agent) found in it.

 

[FindingEmily]

He stopped eating. Not really sure what else I can do. He seems to be doing a little better today than yesterday, but the whole not eating thing is really stressing me out.

 

[Humblefish]

Appetite suppression is a common side effect of Prazipro. He should resume eating in a day or two.