Eel getting nibbled on by fish

[Rmcuddy]

I have had a Zebra Eel in quarantine with a Purple Tang and a coral beauty for a little over a month now. I have 4 more days until all of my treatments are up and they can go in the DT. About a week ago, I noticed this raw spot on my Eel's tail, and now there are raw spots all the way up its back. Today, I noticed it was the coral beauty that was nipping at it. I dont want to move any into the DT, but fear I might have to to save the Eel. Should I move the 2 fish into the display and hopefully treat the eel back to good health in the QT? The Eel seems to be sluggish now, and hasn't eaten in probably over a week.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've seen those lesions on eels before - they may have started as nips from the fish, but I'm not sure the fish aren't just picking on them after they developed...they aren't making it any better of course.

Have the purple tang or the CB shown any disease signs while in quarantine? Did you treat with copper and prazi?

I think you need to start a aggressive antibiotic treatment on the eel in the absence of the other fish. Injectable would be the way to go, but without a veterinarian, that isn't practical. You might also want to consider reducing the SG of your QT to 1.020 to help the eel with osmotic balance (since so much of its skin is opened up).

Jay

 

[Rmcuddy]

No, none of them have shown any sign of disease. Yes they have been treated with Copper Power and general cure. What should I use to treat the Eel since a vet just isn't going to happen?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Picking an antibiotic is always just a guess. It is most assuredly a gram negative bacteria, possibly Pseudomonas or Aeromonas. Not sure what you have available locally, but you could try Kanaplex and Furan-2 at the same time. If the eel was eating, you could use the kanaplex orally...if you go that route I can work up a dose for you....otherwise both in the water, no carbon, no UV, follow label instructions. If you can't get those meds, you could try Maracyn 1 and Maracyn 2 at the same time, more pet stores carry those products.

Since antibiotics are just a guess, let's hear what other folks may think....

Jay

 

[Rmcuddy]

I believe I have some Kanaplex. No Furan-2 though. It has been over a week since its eaten, which I know isn't out of the norm for eels.

 

[Rmcuddy]

I believe I have some Kanaplex. No Furan-2 though. It has been over a week since its eaten, which I know isn't out of the norm for eels.

I can get some Furan by Wednesday