firefish help needed quickly!

[rajkovich207]

The past couple of days I've noticed my purple firefish has gotten very skittish, he use to be very bold. Last night I noticed he was breathing faster than I've ever seen before, and has what looks like purple spots under his skin and black and torn fins. He does not seem to be doing good so I wanted to start a thread for some help. I do not have access to a computer ATM for pics but I will get some up shortly. Bit of background, he was very skinny but I fattened him up over the last few weeks. Ph was low at 7.8 and salinity high at 1.028 so I brought them back in line, nitrate a bit high at 20 but everything else is great. He is the sole fish in the tank with some rics. Zoas and a maxi mini carpet nem that he never goes near, as well as a hermit. I wanted to get this thread started asap for help and additional questions but I will have pics soon. I have a fairly large medicine cabinent so hopefully we can come up with something. I also added a little melafix last night as well as an additional airstone. Thank you so much for any offered help.
Tony

 

[wysiwyg]

it sounds like he might have gotten to close to the max mini

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

it sounds like he might have gotten to close to the max mini

That's what I'm thinking. The symptoms fit for aggression. If possible, I would remove the nem or QT the fish. I would also recommend soaking the food in selcon.

 

[rajkovich207]

ok so here are the pics I promised. they are the best I could do sorry for the poor quality.

sadly the tank is my QT/holding tank while the new tank is finishing its cycle. My better half suggested the same thing, that it was from the nem, but It has been stressed out like crazy since i moved it from the rock, and is not the least bit sticky to the touch. Also I noticed he has a swollen lump on the inside of his mouth, and I dont see one on the other side. thank you for all the help so far! maybe the pics will help finalize the decision.