Flasher Wrasse death

divewsharks · Jul 5, 2017

I had a Blue flasher in QT with a pair of fairies (Vanatau Hooded and Brunneus), they have been in there since May 24th. All three have been eating very well, getting along just fine and doing otherwise great.
The blue flasher seemingly overnight began heavy breathing and died in less than 24hrs. The 2 fairies and still chugging along without issue.
The blue showed know symptoms (not spots, no sliming, no scratching, no twitching...).
All 3 had completed one treatment of prazi, the remaining two are going thru a second treatment right now.
Any thoughts on what I should be targeting (I know its a long shot).

thanks..

aykwm · Jul 5, 2017

If you have a picture of the fish that might help. Also if you still have the dead wrasse I recommend putting it for 5 min in tap water to check for flukes. Heavy breathing can indicate low oxygen level or possible parasites clogging the gills. Are you providing plenty of circulation and water surface movement for oxygen exchange? Prazipro is known to deplete oxygen in water. Also observe the other fish for symptoms that might indicate presence of parasite, as wrasse have thick coat and sometimes its hard to notice anything on their body.

melypr1985 · Jul 5, 2017

I'd like to know how long before the flasher died did the first treatment of prazi happen? Are you treating with copper as well?

divewsharks · Jul 5, 2017

melypr1985 said:
I'd like to know how long before the flasher died did the first treatment of prazi happen? Are you treating with copper as well?

The first treatment of prazi was on June 25, the flasher died late last night (July 4).
These wrasses have not been treated with copper.

divewsharks · Jul 5, 2017

aykwm said:
If you have a picture of the fish that might help. Also if you still have the dead wrasse I recommend putting it for 5 min in tap water to check for flukes. Heavy breathing can indicate low oxygen level or possible parasites clogging the gills. Are you providing plenty of circulation and water surface movement for oxygen exchange? Prazipro is known to deplete oxygen in water. Also observe the other fish for symptoms that might indicate presence of parasite, as wrasse have thick coat and sometimes its hard to notice anything on their body.

I do not have the body. I should have done the freshwater dip.
As for O2, I have air driven sponge filter and separate airstone to boost O2 levels in the water.

I have been observing the wrasses for symptoms since I got them and especially once I saw the flasher under duress.

melypr1985 · Jul 5, 2017

It's very possible for flukes to be the cause. Prazi needs to be dosed twice 5-7 days apart to kill any newly hatched babies before they mature enough to lay their own eggs.

divewsharks · Jul 5, 2017

Should I dose a 3rd time (5-7 days from now) since I missed the last window?

melypr1985 · Jul 5, 2017

divewsharks said:
Should I dose a 3rd time (5-7 days from now) since I missed the last window?

I would, yes. Also, did you ever see why stringy poop from any of these fish?

divewsharks · Jul 5, 2017

melypr1985 said:
I would, yes. Also, did you ever see why stringy poop from any of these fish?

No, I did not. I was observing for that as well.

melypr1985 · Jul 5, 2017

divewsharks said:
No, I did not. I was observing for that as well.

That's good then, I'd start with finishing off the prazi treatments then go from there.

4FordFamily · Jul 5, 2017

melypr1985 said:
That's good then, I'd start with finishing off the prazi treatments then go from there.

X2 that's where I would start. Ensure no heavy breathing, hiding from light, swimming in to high flow, or dusting.

ngoodermuth · Jul 5, 2017

It could definitely be flukes, I agree completing the Prazi treatment is a good first step.

The most concerning possibility with quick deaths is velvet. Like @4FordFamily mentioned above, keep watch for other symptoms.

Sorry for your loss :/