The Fire Tail Blenny has something on one side that looks fungul. He is often chilling in the crevice or hole of a rock on this side. I can’t tell if it’s debris collected from being snug in a rock, which he often collects or if this is fungal or parasite. Looks like white hairy fuzz. I have searched online and have found nothing. Has anyone seen this or have any ideas? Thanks!
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- Thread starter Reefinon
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Big G
captain dunsel
Very difficult to see in the photo. But a white fuzzy growth can often indicate a bacterial infection. If so it will need to be treated in a QT. Here's Humblefish's treatment advisory for bacterial infections:
Bacterial infections:
Symptoms - Sometimes it's self-describing: Popeye/cloudy eyes, fin & tail rot, dropsy (bloated fish), etc. But some other bacterial infections, such as furunculosis, hemorrhagic septicemia, etc., can have varying visible symptoms. Any redness or open sores/wounds on a fish should be viewed with suspicion. Also, a white film or fungus-looking growth may denote a bacterial infection. It’s important to note that in many cases a bacterial infection is usually secondary in nature to a parasitic infestation such as ich, meaning if a fish has been battling ich for a while then his immune system has been lowered. This makes infection more likely for many opportunistic, harmful bacteria.
Treatment options - Broad spectrum antibiotic medication i.e. one that treats both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial diseases. Examples of this include Furan-2, Kanamycin aka Seachem Kanaplex, Nitrofuracin Green Powder, Triple Sulfa Powder, or a combination of using both Erythromycin & Minocycline. The latter can be accomplished (albeit expensively) by using freshwater Maracyn 1 & 2 and then doubling the dosage for saltwater use. When battling a particularly nasty bacterial infection, combining Furan-2, Kanaplex and metronidazole (ex. Seachem MetroPlex) can be very effective (and safe). Props to “hedgedrew” for enlightening me of this.
Bacterial infections:
Symptoms - Sometimes it's self-describing: Popeye/cloudy eyes, fin & tail rot, dropsy (bloated fish), etc. But some other bacterial infections, such as furunculosis, hemorrhagic septicemia, etc., can have varying visible symptoms. Any redness or open sores/wounds on a fish should be viewed with suspicion. Also, a white film or fungus-looking growth may denote a bacterial infection. It’s important to note that in many cases a bacterial infection is usually secondary in nature to a parasitic infestation such as ich, meaning if a fish has been battling ich for a while then his immune system has been lowered. This makes infection more likely for many opportunistic, harmful bacteria.
Treatment options - Broad spectrum antibiotic medication i.e. one that treats both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial diseases. Examples of this include Furan-2, Kanamycin aka Seachem Kanaplex, Nitrofuracin Green Powder, Triple Sulfa Powder, or a combination of using both Erythromycin & Minocycline. The latter can be accomplished (albeit expensively) by using freshwater Maracyn 1 & 2 and then doubling the dosage for saltwater use. When battling a particularly nasty bacterial infection, combining Furan-2, Kanaplex and metronidazole (ex. Seachem MetroPlex) can be very effective (and safe). Props to “hedgedrew” for enlightening me of this.
Big G, thanks very much for the reply. It definitely does look like a “white fuzz”
I’m just very confused because it just showed up today. It makes me think it’s bacterial as it’s still there now hours later, and if it’s something from the rock I would think it would have blown off by now.
Does stuff like this usually affect the other fish in tank?
I’m just very confused because it just showed up today. It makes me think it’s bacterial as it’s still there now hours later, and if it’s something from the rock I would think it would have blown off by now.
Does stuff like this usually affect the other fish in tank?
Big G
captain dunsel
If a fish does have a bacterial infection, yes, the other fish are exposed to any of the same bacteria. Usually though, these things are the result of an injury or primary disease that weakens that particular fish making it susceptible to the bacteria. So as a cautionary action, it's good to remove the infected fish to a QT and then keep an eye on the others. Bacterial disease in fish can go sideways real fast sometimes. Do you have any of the antibiotics listed in the prior post?
I don’t have any of the antibiotics listed. I’m dreading the thought of tearing down the tight 24 gallon reef tank to get the Blenny out and put in QT. I have a feeling I will have to take every rock out to get the fish out. He loves to hide in the rocks. Once he sees a net or baster, he jets. Wish I could treat him with the other fish and coral in there : (
Big G
captain dunsel
There aren't any antibiotics worth a darn that are reef safe. Most of the ones you see in stores that claim to be are largely herbal products that rarely work. The only thing that comes even close is Ruby Reef Rally. It has both some antibiotic and antiseptic qualities that work best in a QT or a bath. But the mfg does claim it is reef safe. I really like it for QT or the bath treatments. http://www.rubyreef.net/rally/
But make no mistake, it is not as strong a treatment as using a true antibiotic in a QT. Hope this helps.
~ Gary
melypr1985
totally addicted
I agree... it's difficult to tell much from the photo, but it looks to me like excess mucus coming off of him. I'm not sure of the cause of that, but often fish will excrete excess mucus when battling parasites, infection ect.
