Fiji Blue Devil

Lowell Lemon · Jan 7, 2023

Jay,
I have a Fiji Blue Devil that is 10 years or older in aquarium. This morning it showed a bent spine, gaping mouth, swimming in circles, no interest in food, vibrant colors, no apparent external lesions or parasites. None of these symptoms were present at feeding last night.

I have seen this before but am at a loss to diagnose and treat. 40 gallon tank with only one other fish a Fire Fish and just small crabs and snails. Live rock from Fiji that is over 20 years old and no new tank mates of any kind in over 2 years. Fish was fine last night at feeding, no chemicals anywhere around the tank. Pistol shrimp is only other resident.

Willing to treat just have no idea how to diagnose. In the past when I observe this the fish passes in about 24 hours without impact on other fish population. I have lots of tanks I can set up for treatment if necessary. Tank mate is showing normal behavior in respiration and feeding with no external signs of any parasite. 40 gallon tank. Use natural seawater from filtered source via Petco. Have not tested water in years except for temp and salinity. Very low bio load as these are rescues from anther tank taken down over three years ago. Tank is over 20 years running with no break down but the occasional water change of 5 gallons about every two months. I also polish water with a commercial mechanical filtration system as needed. Have not done that in 3 years or more. Hair algae is present in the tank along with coralline algae.

I can take test of water later today but I am sure by observation that most levels are fine. My picture taking is not good but I will attempt a shot later as well. Ideas?

Jay Hemdal · Jan 7, 2023

Lowell Lemon said:
Jay,
I have a Fiji Blue Devil that is 10 years or older in aquarium. This morning it showed a bent spine, gaping mouth, swimming in circles, no interest in food, vibrant colors, no apparent external lesions or parasites. None of these symptoms were present at feeding last night.

I have seen this before but am at a loss to diagnose and treat. 40 gallon tank with only one other fish a Fire Fish and just small crabs and snails. Live rock from Fiji that is over 20 years old and no new tank mates of any kind in over 2 years. Fish was fine last night at feeding, no chemicals anywhere around the tank. Pistol shrimp is only other resident.

Willing to treat just have no idea how to diagnose. In the past when I observe this the fish passes in about 24 hours without impact on other fish population. I have lots of tanks I can set up for treatment if necessary. Tank mate is showing normal behavior in respiration and feeding with no external signs of any parasite. 40 gallon tank. Use natural seawater from filtered source via Petco. Have not tested water in years except for temp and salinity. Very low bio load as these are rescues from anther tank taken down over three years ago. Tank is over 20 years running with no break down but the occasional water change of 5 gallons about every two months. I also polish water with a commercial mechanical filtration system as needed. Have not done that in 3 years or more. Hair algae is present in the tank along with coralline algae.

I can take test of water later today but I am sure by observation that most levels are fine. My picture taking is not good but I will attempt a shot later as well. Ideas?

Can you post a video under white light?

10+ years is a long time for a Chrysiptera damselfish to live. However, most "old age" issues come on slowly, over time, not suddenly like this. The vibrant coloration also doesn't match to "old age".

Unlikely that the water quality got so out of whack that it affected the damsel, but not the shrimp. Also, gradually deteriorating water quality causes poor coloration, and gradually increasing issues, not all at once like this,

I doubt that it is a treatable infection of any sort - doesn't match up to any that I know of.

Looking at acute issues - swallowing a piece of gravel, hitting its head against the tank wall, or major internal issue are all possible, but not really treatable.

Jay

Lowell Lemon · Jan 7, 2023

Jay Hemdal said:
Can you post a video under white light?

10+ years is a long time for a Chrysiptera damselfish to live. However, most "old age" issues come on slowly, over time, not suddenly like this. The vibrant coloration also doesn't match to "old age".

Unlikely that the water quality got so out of whack that it affected the damsel, but not the shrimp. Also, gradually deteriorating water quality causes poor coloration, and gradually increasing issues, not all at once like this,

I doubt that it is a treatable infection of any sort - doesn't match up to any that I know of.

Looking at acute issues - swallowing a piece of gravel, hitting its head against the tank wall, or major internal issue are all possible, but not really treatable.

Jay

I will do my best but cell video is not great. Post later as soon as I have the ability. This is a learning experience for me.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 7, 2023

Ten year damsel is a long life and may be an old man getting frail

Lowell Lemon · Jan 8, 2023

Short video of Damsel

Lowell Lemon · Jan 8, 2023

@Jay Hemdal
I can provide more video. Fish has increased respiration rate and head up posture. Not taking food. Spine is not as curved this morning. Actual age of fish unknown as just an estimate since I received fish from a friend who was breaking down a tank I made for him. Been in my care for about three years.

Jay Hemdal · Jan 8, 2023

Lowell Lemon said:
@Jay Hemdal
I can provide more video. Fish has increased respiration rate and head up posture. Not taking food. Spine is not as curved this morning. Actual age of fish unknown as just an estimate since I received fish from a friend who was breaking down a tank I made for him. Been in my care for about three years.

I can still see some spinal curvature I think. I can't rule out mechanical damage (unlikely) or some internal neurological problem (more likely). I don't see a clear treatment for this though, sorry.

Jay

Lowell Lemon · Jan 8, 2023

Jay Hemdal said:
I can still see some spinal curvature I think. I can't rule out mechanical damage (unlikely) or some internal neurological problem (more likely). I don't see a clear treatment for this though, sorry.

Jay

Thanks,
Should I just let it pass or euthanize? If euthanize what is the least stress to the fish?

Jay Hemdal · Jan 8, 2023

Lowell Lemon said:
Thanks,
Should I just let it pass or euthanize? If euthanize what is the least stress to the fish?

If it were my fish, I would euthanize. However, I've seen some fish pull off a miracle. Fish do not feel pain like mammals do, so there is not a real welfare issue here by waiting a day or two, just to see if there is any improvement.

Jay