Does this look like Uronema?

maxberter · Dec 27, 2023

I got this Chromis pre-QT'd from an online vendor. He arrived 6 days ago (Thursday) and I've had him in observational QT since then since I knew Uronema was a strong possibility.

The main discolorstion spot has gradually been getting darker, first noticed a couple days after arrival. (Looked totally fine on arrival) Now I think I see a second spot firther forward, plus on his tail. He is eating fine.

I'm not planning to do anything other than continued observation if it is Uronema, but curious what people think.

MnFish1 · Dec 27, 2023

maxberter said:
I got this Chromis pre-QT'd from an online vendor. He arrived 6 days ago (Thursday) and I've had him in observational QT since then since I knew Uronema was a strong possibility.

The main discolorstion spot has gradually been getting darker, first noticed a couple days after arrival. (Looked totally fine on arrival) Now I think I see a second spot firther forward, plus on his tail. He is eating fine.

I'm not planning to do anything other than continued observation if it is Uronema, but curious what people think.

It looks like it. Do you have the fish in any medication (ie.. a regular quarantine? As you know uronema is difficult to treat.

Uncle99 · Dec 27, 2023

Possible early stage.

maxberter · Dec 27, 2023

MnFish1 said:
It looks like it. Do you have the fish in any medication (ie.. a regular quarantine? As you know uronema is difficult to treat.

No, since he was pre-treated I was just going to observe before putting in DT.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 27, 2023

It is uronema which is not an obligate parasite, and can thrive on bacteria, uneaten food, and waste so besides treatment also maintain a clean tank removing waste daily. As you see the formation of oval shape, its a ciliated motile protozoan which causes tissue necrosis as seen on fish.
What other fish are in the tank?
This can also be triggered by low salinity levels as well as excess food waste on tank bottom which this protozoan can feed on as often prevention can be more valuable than cure for this.
Fish will have to be quarantined and treated with formalin based treatment which is harder to find, so next option is Ruby rally Pro. Chloroquine Phosphate will also work but must be used precisely. Uronema can thrive on bacteria, uneaten food, and waste so besides treatment also maintain a clean tank .

vetteguy53081 · Dec 27, 2023

maxberter said:
No, since he was pre-treated I was just going to observe before putting in DT.

Even when pretreated, assume they have something. I generally with fish like these and anthias give them a 60 minute aerated bath in ruby rally pro at minimum