Can anyone identify this?

dirtyxducks19 · Oct 20, 2023

I just noticed my royal gramma has what looks like fin rot maybe? No new additions or changes to the tank in 6 months. I’m willing to break down the rock to get her into a hospital for treatment. Picture doesn’t show it well but it looks like there is a reddish/orange colors on the fins edge where the decay is happening. Thanks in advance.

All other fish are fine. Two clowns and a fire fish. No signs of aggression. I only have a cleaner shrimp blue leg hermits and snails for inverts. Could this be a big bristle worm?

75 gallon DT 15 sump
Some patches of GHA but all parameters are in range

Jay Hemdal · Oct 20, 2023

dirtyxducks19 said:
I just noticed my royal gramma has what looks like fin rot maybe? No new additions or changes to the tank in 6 months. I’m willing to break down the rock to get her into a hospital for treatment. Picture doesn’t show it well but it looks like there is a reddish/orange colors on the fins edge where the decay is happening. Thanks in advance.

All other fish are fine. Two clowns and a fire fish. No signs of aggression. I only have a cleaner shrimp blue leg hermits and snails for inverts. Could this be a big bristle worm?

75 gallon DT 15 sump
Some patches of GHA but all parameters are in range

That does look like fin damage - the sharp ragged edges point to that. The clowns are the most likely culprits. You’ll likely not see many issues, the attacks would be over in a second, and while you are in the room, the clowns, being clowns, will stop to watch you.
If the tank isn’t too large, you could try a tank divider.
Jay

vetteguy53081 · Oct 20, 2023

To add, often you can confirm aggression by setting your cell phone on video mode for about 30 mins and drop a little food and walk away - YOU MUST walk away as they know youre there. Often the aggressor is a bully at feeding time.
Review the video and see who it may be

dirtyxducks19 · Oct 20, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
To add, often you can confirm aggression by setting your cell phone on video mode for about 30 mins and drop a little food and walk away - YOU MUST walk away as they know youre there. Often the aggressor is a bully at feeding time.
Review the video and see who it may be

I hear you on this. I will add that the royal gramma was added pretty small and now he seems bigger than my female clown in mass. Maybe it a change if pecking order but the clown seems to win cause the RG is hiding a lot I’ll keep my eye on it. Just wondering if I should worry about illness.

Keep the anecdotal lessons coming

KrisReef · Oct 20, 2023

dirtyxducks19 said:
I hear you on this. I will add that the royal gramma was added pretty small and now he seems bigger than my female clown in mass. Maybe it a change if pecking order but the clown seems to win cause the RG is hiding a lot I’ll keep my eye on it. Just wondering if I should worry about illness.

Keep the anecdotal lessons coming

If the fighting continues one or more of the combatants may be killed from the battle going on? Keep a close watch on this and be ready to rescue the wounded if they don’t stop fighting. I increase daily feedings with the hope that more rations will decrease the food competition and help them get along better with their neighbors. Sadly, this strategy has been known to backfire when the refreshed aggressor uses the new energy to fight harder.
Watch, and good luck with these fishes.