Help IDing what this is on my boxfish

StevenL · Aug 10, 2024

This is my boxfish Crouton, yesterday he looked fine but today he has this white substance on his side. I am not sure what it is, if he got caught in/on something, etc.. Swimming and behaving like normal as far as I can tell. Water parameters are all good however I just performed a water change anyway

Any insight from the #fishmedic gang would be appreciated

vetteguy53081 · Aug 10, 2024

StevenL said:
This is my boxfish Crouton, yesterday he looked fine but today he has this white substance on his side. I am not sure what it is, if he got caught in/on something, etc.. Swimming and behaving like normal as far as I can tell.

Any insight from the #fishmedic gang would be appreciated

This appears to be a bacterial infection from a scrape injury or similar. These fish let off a secretion if they feel threatened but not resulting in this manner
You can try reef safe Ruby rally pro but more effective in a separate treatment tank will be Seachem neoplex with added aeration
Assure your nitrates and ammonia are not elevated. How is this tank being filtered?

StevenL · Aug 10, 2024

Appreciate the quick response. I will see if my LFS has neoplex tomorrow.

Tank is being filtered w/ the IM AIO filter caddy- fiber balls, ferric Oxide, and carbon. He's by himself with no tankmates or corals. Ammonia and nitrates aren't elevated. Should I remove/add anything when I dose the neoplex? I plan to dose directly into the water unless w/ food is a better option?