Gimp Wrasse...what next?

Reefpuck · Aug 23, 2018

Long story short...bought a kole tang & pintail fairy wrasse...put both through the typical Prazi/Cupramine treatments in QT...and 8 weeks later kole tang has made transfer to main tank.

Wrasse however is still in the QT...as it cannot keep itself right side up and basically swims in circles upside down. Despite the swimming issues and having a hard time getting food (even in the low flow)...everything else about the fish seems fine. I've come to terms that maybe it had a bladder issue when I bought it and I was doomed from the get go.

I know some people don't recommend copper...but I've always had success with it. Didn't overdose. Did several large water changes after original QT time ended, and have tried Methylene, epsom salt, peeled pees with no luck. It's belly doesn't seem swollen either.

At this point...do I just ride it out or am I wasting my time?

Pic this morning:

Pic 2 weeks into QT:

HotRocks · Aug 23, 2018

With Wrasse, especially any fairy Wrasse, these guys love to dart. Then they injure themselves. I have unfortunately encountered the same thing with a few and could never get them to snap back.

Reefpuck · Aug 23, 2018

Yeah to me doesn't seem like it'll come around. I know this seems bad...but I've been waiting for it to croak so I could start up another fish I want to get in the QT.

But it wont die.

chicago · Nov 18, 2018

Same issue.. how did yours end.. thanks

Reefpuck · Nov 18, 2018

Well it ended up living about another month. Couldn't swim well obviously upside down so had a hard time eating. Eventually it started breathing really heavy and I just put it out of its misery. Just seemed like it was doomed from the beginning no matter what I tried.

Best of luck with yours though! Fill us in if you have better luck.