Clownfish Sore Help

[Forbesy]

I have 2 clownfish in a nearly 2 year old mixed reef tank. This morning I noticed a large sore or cut on the side of one. It wasn't there 2 days ago. All tank mates get along fine, I haven't had any aggression issues. All other fish look fine and the clownfish in question isn't doing anything out of character. I've attached some pics. Any ideas on what I might be dealing with?

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have 2 clownfish in a nearly 2 year old mixed reef tank. This morning I noticed a large sore or cut on the side of one. It wasn't there 2 days ago. All tank mates get along fine, I haven't had any aggression issues. All other fish look fine and the clownfish in question isn't doing anything out of character. I've attached some pics. Any ideas on what I might be dealing with?

Thanks.

This looks like a gash and my suspect is the foxface. They dont get nasty like this however when a fish gets too close can and may use their defense mechanisms. There is a possibility that the clown will heal on its own but Its a gamble based on size and location, and I would quarantine the clown and treat with ruby rally Pro starting with a 60 minute bath or seachem Kanaplex to assure healing and no infection.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

+1 on it being an injury, probably from the foxface. If it doesn't worsen (get larger, change color, etc.) it may not be infected. Can you tell though, is it deep enough to pierce the body cavity?

jay

 

[Forbesy]

Thanks for the replies.

The cut looks to be superficial and looks better today. He is still acting like his usual self and eating.
I'll be keeping an eye on him for sure. If it is aggression, might this be a 1 off incident? The fox and the clowns have been together for at least a year now. Even today they hang out together in the clown's corner with no issues that I can see.

 

[Uncle99]

Thanks for the replies.

The cut looks to be superficial and looks better today. He is still acting like his usual self and eating.
I'll be keeping an eye on him for sure. If it is aggression, might this be a 1 off incident? The fox and the clowns have been together for at least a year now. Even today they hang out together in the clown's corner with no issues that I can see.

Certainly can be a “here and there” thing.
In good water conditions, will likely heal on its own.
For me, took about 6 weeks, but healed fully to a point whereas you see nothing.

 

[Weeb]

a large sore or cut on the side

What other marine life do you have in this aquarium, including inverts?

 

[vetteguy53081]

What other marine life do you have in this aquarium, including inverts?

This has been established via pm it is already healing. Clowns will not do this

 

[Forbesy]

What other marine life do you have in this aquarium, including inverts?

1 Blue Tang
1 Kole Tang
1 Foxface
1 Copperband Butterfly
4 Reef Chromis
1 Blue tip Aneome
Assorted Zoas, mushrooms, LPS and a few SPS
Hermit crabs and assorted snails

Any other suspects on the list? Maybe a cranky tang but like I said things have been pleasant for the last year or so.
Last fish introduced was the CBB.

 

[Forbesy]

Nearly a month since and he is almost all healed up!