Disease or Bullying?

TheCheeseWizz · Aug 10, 2015

I've had this clown for about 1 month now. I've already lost his/her partner with similar damage. Their tail fins just disappeared very quickly and their color was very dull. I've seen my domino damsel bullying them but I have not been able to catch him until tonight. This clowns body already looks healthier (its color is back). Does this look like disease like Brooklynella or fin rot? I don't see any slime on the body. Or is the damage from the bullying?

Tahoe61 · Aug 10, 2015

I do not think it's Brooklynella, because that kills quickly. Bullying from the Domino I suspect, not uncommon.

Honestly that fish look just horrible. I would be inclined to think secondary bacterial infection brought on by stress or other disease.

Is this clown still eating?
If it's not eating, than it's probably too late for successful treatment. I doubt it would survive a fresh water dip.

Poor baby.

TheCheeseWizz · Aug 10, 2015

Tahoe61 said:
I do not think it's Brooklynella, because that kills quickly. Bullying from the Domino I suspect, not uncommon.

Honestly that fish look just horrible. I would be inclined to think secondary bacterial infection brought on by stress or other disease.

Is this clown still eating?
If it's not eating, than it's probably too late for successful treatment. I doubt it would survive a fresh water dip.

Poor baby.

The clown is still eating very vigorously. Would you suggest a freshwater dip at this point? Its looking a little better this morning so I'm hopeful.

Tahoe61 · Aug 10, 2015

I would try some Melaflix, and some Selcon. Use directions on labels to prepare with food. Doing so as soon as possible would be ideal.

You can sometimes get these products at Petco, Petmart, local fish stores.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Aquarium...icals_API_MARS_Fishcare-AP1524-FIMEBF-vi.html

Good, happy to hear the fish looks better, it's a fighter.

Cleo642 · Aug 10, 2015

I don't understand why people buy damsels. More problems than their worth.

Humblefish · Aug 10, 2015

Tahoe61 said:
I would be inclined to think secondary bacterial infection brought on by stress or other disease.

^^I'm inclined to agree with this.

If this fish has Brooklynella you should see it's skin peeling or sloughing off, with white mucous forming around the affected area(s). The mucous will also eventually peel off and look stringy on the fish.

TheCheeseWizz · Aug 10, 2015

Cleo642 said:
I don't understand why people buy damsels. More problems than their worth.

I'm really angry that the LFS suggested I add one when starting the tank. Its was a horrible choice for my tank and it was very lucky I was able to catch it.

Cleo642 · Aug 10, 2015

TheCheeseWizz said:
I'm really angry that the LFS suggested I add one when starting the tank. Its was a horrible choice for my tank and it was very lucky I was able to catch it.

I have read about a pet shop owner who will not even sell damsels. Those fish are mean, the older they get the meaner they get.

TheCheeseWizz · Aug 10, 2015

Cleo642 said:
I have read about a pet shop owner who will not even sell damsels. Those fish are mean, the older they get the meaner they get.

That is very smart. I've never hated a fish so bad before...

Humblefish · Aug 10, 2015

FWIW; damsels aren't so bad in very large tanks. Their aggression stems from territorial issues with other fish. Because they are so small, people tend to put them in small aquariums. But in a very large system they don't feel so boxed in and that seems to alleviate a lot of their aggression issues.

TheCheeseWizz · Aug 10, 2015

Humblefish said:
FWIW; damsels aren't so bad in very large tanks. Their aggression stems from territorial issues with other fish. Because they are so small, people tend to put them in small aquariums. But in a very large system they don't feel so boxed in and that seems to alleviate a lot of their aggression issues.

That is good to know. Thanks!

Cleo642 · Aug 10, 2015

Humblefish said:
FWIW; damsels aren't so bad in very large tanks. Their aggression stems from territorial issues with other fish. Because they are so small, people tend to put them in small aquariums. But in a very large system they don't feel so boxed in and that seems to alleviate a lot of their aggression issues.

Still wouldn't want those terrors in my tank. Lol