Hippo issue

erky · Feb 11, 2018

This fish has been missing for a few days, i actually thought it died, I am more than confused on what is wrong with it, I have had this fish for 2+ years and do not want to lose it. The fish was on its side struggling to stay upright, sucked up against some live rock. The top fin looks a little recessed not exactly sure how to explain it, the picture of the fish where it is pointing left, if you look at its anal/caudal fin there are some black dots. Could anyone assist me in a ID and treatment process for this guy, it is currently in a qt 2 gal tank i had sitting around.

I do have a slight bit of ammonia in the tank (from what i thought was this fish dying) and nitrates are 2.5-3ppm alk 9.5-10, ca 420+, mg 1350-1365.

white spots are not on the fish, they are on the glass

how i found it

erky · Feb 11, 2018

close up of what i think the issue is

Humblefish · Feb 11, 2018

Do the black dots look anything like what you see here? https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/black-ich-turbellarians.259912/

4FordFamily · Feb 11, 2018

That fish looks like it may have an infection, or it’s been scraped up by the rocks when it was removed or a rock fell on it while injured.

If it is an infection, acriflavine bath followed by metroplex, kanaplex, and furan 2 will be in order.

In a 2 gal QT, you’ll want to be sure you have dr tims or bio spira and a seeded sponge to ensure ammonia doesn’t finish her off.

erky · Feb 11, 2018

i bought some fritz copper safe, and set up my 30 gallon i had sitting around dry. I did put a piece of live rock in the tank with the copper, so i will never use that piece again.

not sure i see anything on the fish now. Should i look for anything on the bottom of the qt tank, or what are the thoughts?

Maritimer · Feb 12, 2018

If the issue is due to injury or infection, you wouldn't see anything on the bottom of the tank - nor would copper be a particularly effective medication. For that, you'll want an antibiotic, as 4FordFamily suggested.

If "black ich" (turbellarian worms) are causing the issue, and you use Prazi-Pro or another form of Praziquantel, you _might_ be able to make out the parasites drifting around on the bottom - if your eyes are a _lot_ better than mine are.

~Bruce

erky · Mar 10, 2018

Looking for more help, the fish has now developed a crooked spine, and can't even swim properly. Im afraid this one is a goner sooner than later, anyone have any suggestions?

Big G · Mar 10, 2018

Spinal injuries are tough. Some fish adapt; some just quit eating and pass. Feed good quality foods with vitamins like selcon. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.

HotRocks · Mar 10, 2018

Yeah very unfortunate, hope the fish heals up. Seen this once with a radiant wrasse, who did indeed heal up somewhat, and adapted (swims a bit strange but eats and acts normal otherwise). Only guess is maybe something startled it, made it dart into glass. Best of luck!