Blue green cromis acting weird

[Bfragale]

I have a fairly large blue/green cromis (1.5-2”). (I have 5, but only one is larger then the rest)

I noticed about a week agothe largest one was in the corner of the tank in a vertical position almost swimming “up” and would stay there in place like “swimming in place”

I thought that behavior was signs it was on its way out as I always seem too lose a cromis every few months? I did not notice any visible signs of injury or disease.

after a week he was still in the same position doing same thing. So today I figured I would catch him and move him to another system to Observe.

I now see three very small spots or tiny wounds on one side. Can’t really tell if it’s flukes or a bite mark. But I moved him to a frag tanK have.
In the frag tank he is swimming horizontally now, only backwards?

I tried to feed and it’s like he can’t see it. I can stick my hand in and he does not react unless I touch him.

he is still pretty plump, but now I think he can’t see?

my question is: if he is blind then will he die because he can’t see food?

also is there any infections/disease/bacteria/etc that I should be treating for? I have copper, prazipro, benflenzonal (spelling?), formalin, or even freshwater.

only reason I have not dipped him yet is almost every other cromis I have that I have dipped dies. Even if all other fish are fine, the cromis for some reason seem not to do well.

I just don’t want to mess with him and put him through the stress of it is ultimately a goner anyway. Any thoughts?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Seems like the test you tried indicates the fish is truly blind. My guess is that’s why it’s hanging out like it is, it cannot see to navigate. The marks may well be from it bumping into things as it tries to swim.
True blindness is pretty rare like this in fish, but it does happen. I don’t have an effective cure to offer you though, sorry.
Jay

 

[Bfragale]

Seems like the test you tried indicates the fish is truly blind. My guess is that’s why it’s hanging out like it is, it cannot see to navigate. The marks may well be from it bumping into things as it tries to swim.
True blindness is pretty rare like this in fish, but it does happen. I don’t have an effective cure to offer you though, sorry.
Jay

Thank you Jay. Yeah I have never seen a fish go blind seemingly over night? But I’m watching him and he swims until he hits something then turns.

but his eyes physically look ok to me. I was exapwcting to see a shadow or something like when a dog gets old and starts to go blind, not sure if it works same way in fish- but to me he looks normal other then those new spots and his behavior.

so if he is truly blind: what do I do? Do I just leave him be and let nature take its course? Or should put him out of his misery? I’m afraid he will just slowly starve to death...

 

[Debramb]

Sorry to bump in, I’ve got a question about my 5 green Chromis. They’ve been in QT, 2 since July, 3 August. Now one from July, tiny bit smaller and one from August are “kissing “ like Kissing gourmomi? Spelling, freshwater. Acting exactly as I recall. There are no bite marks per pecking order or anything else. Is this normal?
Thanks Debra

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you Jay. Yeah I have never seen a fish go blind seemingly over night? But I’m watching him and he swims until he hits something then turns.

but his eyes physically look ok to me. I was exapwcting to see a shadow or something like when a dog gets old and starts to go blind, not sure if it works same way in fish- but to me he looks normal other then those new spots and his behavior.

so if he is truly blind: what do I do? Do I just leave him be and let nature take its course? Or should put him out of his misery? I’m afraid he will just slowly starve to death...

I think I would give it 3 to 4 days, if it still isn’t eating, then consider euthanizing it in ethanol or eugenol. I can get you doses if you need...
Jay

 

[Bfragale]

Hi Debra-

I have never seen mine do that, but I have heard that cromis usually will single one out until it’s gone, and keep doing that until there is only one left.

I do occasionally find one missing in my tank, so I would guess yours have found the one they want to bully right now lol.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Sorry to bump in, I’ve got a question about my 5 green Chromis. They’ve been in QT, 2 since July, 3 August. Now one from July, tiny bit smaller and one from August are “kissing “ like Kissing gourmomi? Spelling, freshwater. Acting exactly as I recall. There are no bite marks per pecking order or anything else. Is this normal?
Thanks Debra

Well, I haven’t seen that in green chromis, but in other damsels it is a test of dominance. As long as one fish isn’t damaged, it isn’t an issue, not like chasing and tail biting can be.
Jay

 

[Bfragale]

I think I would give it 3 to 4 days, if it still isn’t eating, then consider euthanizing it in ethanol or eugenol. I can get you doses if you need...
Jay

Ok. I’ll observe for a few more days. But if it comes to it, I prefer to not let it suffer if I can help it. So it may come to that unfortunately. Thanks for your reply’s. Take care my friend.

 

[X-37B]

Sorry to bump in, I’ve got a question about my 5 green Chromis. They’ve been in QT, 2 since July, 3 August. Now one from July, tiny bit smaller and one from August are “kissing “ like Kissing gourmomi? Spelling, freshwater. Acting exactly as I recall. There are no bite marks per pecking order or anything else. Is this normal?
Thanks Debra

The kissing is a sign of aggression.
I have 6 and from time to time they do this.
I have had mine for 14 months now.
My convict tang keeps them in line and breaks up any aggression when it happens, lol.

 

[sawdonkey]

Chromis are notorious for getting uremia. Look it up.

 

[Debramb]

Thanks, thought it could be a mating behavior haha, so far they haven’t picked each other off, I got the runt I call peanut, he tries to school with them till he gets chased away, keeping them well fed!
Debra