Fish with a hole in his side

occ_motorcycles · Mar 6, 2013

I noticed on my yellow watchman goby that he hassle growing hole near the half way point on his body. Not just any lil hole. I can almost see all the way through him.

He is swimming fine just seems odd to have a hole in him. Anything I can do to help him heal up and be healthy? I noticed a week or two ago that area was all white now it has returned to proper color leaving a good size hole in him.

I will try and get a photo soon. He hides that side from the tank front.

Peppster3090 · Mar 6, 2013

What's up man. I'm sorry about your goby. At first I thought something may have bitten a chunk out of him but then you described how that area looked white prior to the hole appearing. My guess is it was a type of tissue eating bacteria. If the fishes organs were damaged, it most likely wont make it. However, if you wanted to try something, I would suggest melafix. Set up a small qt system for him and dose it with melafix. It's pretty good at healing fish wounds like torn fins, gashes, and other cuts. Best of luck!

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Paul C. · Mar 6, 2013

I lost one a few months back to the same thing. Was fine for about a month after i noticed it, Thought it was from him rubbing on the rock or something.

occ_motorcycles · Mar 6, 2013

Hmm the organs are not near this hole. It looks like it is not getting worse but we will see how this turns out.

Also sorry for your loss on the fish you had.

Paul C. · Mar 8, 2013

Yeah i didnt see anything in the "hole". Was up towards the spine about mid body.. Lasted 2 weeks after i noticed......

occ_motorcycles · Mar 9, 2013

Paul C. said:
Yeah i didnt see anything in the "hole". Was up towards the spine about mid body.. Lasted 2 weeks after i noticed......

It's been longer than two weeks since the white origional. He is still ok though. Maybe it will just heal up.

Paul C. · Mar 9, 2013

Maybe. I was hoping the same. Keep us posted.

occ_motorcycles · Mar 9, 2013

If I can get a photo I the hole ill post but he doesnt show much

occ_motorcycles · Mar 11, 2013

Here are a few photos I took just now. Looks like maybe spreading or healing. I can't tell.

Is it possible a crab got ahold of him?

Paul C. · Mar 11, 2013

Not sure exactly. I saw the white area of mine, and thought he rubbed on some rocks. It then became a hole... Looks exactly the same as mine did. Hope someone else can give you some medication ideas.. Im following along, as i would like to get another jawfish...

Peppster3090 · Mar 12, 2013

Looking at the picture, it doesn't seem too bad! If the goby is easy to catch I would catch him and dip him in melafix, cause it heals damaged tissue and also helps with fungal infections. The actual bottle says melafix is safe with reef tanks, but I don't know if I trust that. Best of luck!

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP