Help identify Chromis problem and cure

Jay M · Aug 11, 2022

Hi all,
Just started a new tank. 3 weeks into cycling, one LFS detected okey'ed my levels (used API kits). Tests on same day at another LFS (API) showed high ammonia and nitrites. Long story short, LFS suggested to use Aqua systems start your tank kit, did that and added 2 chromis on Day 3. 4 days in, one of them is doing great, the other one is swimming vertically, with nose down (see pics). Can you guys identify what could this be and what would be a possible cure for it?

At the moment, I've moved it to a separate tank, in case it's some infection and is contagious?

Thanks in advance.

Jay Hemdal · Aug 11, 2022

Jay M said:
Hi all,
Just started a new tank. 3 weeks into cycling, one LFS detected okey'ed my levels (used API kits). Tests on same day at another LFS (API) showed high ammonia and nitrites. Long story short, LFS suggested to use Aqua systems start your tank kit, did that and added 2 chromis on Day 3. 4 days in, one of them is doing great, the other one is swimming vertically, with nose down (see pics). Can you guys identify what could this be and what would be a possible cure for it?

At the moment, I've moved it to a separate tank, in case it's some infection and is contagious?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Sorry, that fish won't be able to be saved, its tail is eroded up to the bone. Did the tail erosion start gradually, working its way up to the body, or did it start at the body and work back? The reason that I ask is that new green chromis are really prone to a protozoan disease known as Uronema. Here is an article I wrote on the topic:

Uronema / Red Band Disease - Hemdal

Red Band Syndrome in Marine Fishes: Caused by the Protozoan; Uronema sp. Jay Hemdal Introduction: This moderately common disease of certain species of marine fish is so often misdiagnosed that most aquarists apply incorrect treatment methods...

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