I really need help!! Sick orchid dotty back

[Miemaes]

Hi everyone,

I recently got an orchid dotty back who is now showing white patches on his body and a frayed tail. I see him bump against the send and corals every now and then and I’m thinking he has some sort of bacterial infection. I’m unable to take a picture for you guys as he darts instantly insides the rocks. I’ve noticed a very tiny pale white patch on one of my clowns now as well so I’m super worried it is spreading in my tank. It’s impossible to catch my orchid and jester goby in case if I want to treat all fishes preventatively so I was wondering if there is anything I can directly dose in my display tank? I do have corals in there. Fish traps was no succes btw

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi everyone,

I recently got an orchid dotty back who is now showing white patches on his body and a frayed tail. I see him bump against the send and corals every now and then and I’m thinking he has some sort of bacterial infection. I’m unable to take a picture for you guys as he darts instantly insides the rocks. I’ve noticed a very tiny pale white patch on one of my clowns now as well so I’m super worried it is spreading in my tank. It’s impossible to catch my orchid and jester goby in case if I want to treat all fishes preventatively so I was wondering if there is anything I can directly dose in my display tank? I do have corals in there. Fish traps was no succes btw

I see a fire fish goby and pics a little dark and fuzzy
May be bacterial but need brighter/clearer pictures

 

[Uncle99]

Any changes in behaviors like not eating, lathargic, or swimming constantly into current.

What size is the “white patch” what shape?

I would dose nothing until we can get some indication of what, if anything is up.

Bumping can also be a territory display.

How long is “recently”

 

[Nonya]

Judging from the shading on the sand, your chemistry may be contributing.

 

[Miemaes]

I see a fire fish goby and pics a little dark and fuzzy
May be bacterial but need brighter/clearer pictures

It’s only really visible on the orchid dotty back. Let me try to get a close picture of him

 

[Miemaes]

Any changes in behaviors like not eating, lathargic, or swimming constantly into current.

What size is the “white patch” what shape?

I would dose nothing until we can get some indication of what, if anything is up.

Bumping can also be a territory display.

How long is “recently”

Since I got him he’s been very shy. He’ll come out when I feed but otherwise he’ll hide as soon as he hears/feels footsteps closing in. It’s about a week ago i noticed a very small spot near his dorsal fin. I thought it might have been from bumping against the rock as he darts in and out. Then i noticed a ripped tail… then another white spot on the belly and so on. I’ll see if I can take a picture for you guys.

 

[Cthulukelele]

Since I got him he’s been very shy. He’ll come out when I feed but otherwise he’ll hide as soon as he hears/feels footsteps closing in. It’s about a week ago i noticed a very small spot near his dorsal fin. I thought it might have been from bumping against the rock as he darts in and out. Then i noticed a ripped tail… then another white spot on the belly and so on. I’ll see if I can take a picture for you guys.

I'd make sure it's eating high quality food and wait it out as long as it is eating.

 

[Miemaes]

Judging from the shading on the sand, your chemistry may be contributing.

My tank is fairly new so I’ve had diatoms which are now disappearing (slightly older pics) I’m doing regular water tests so I think my water is fine. PH 8.3 Salinity 1.025 temp 78 degrees Nitrate 3 Ammonia zero I’ll post a new pic from the tank and hopefully the orchid of he doesn’t dart away

 

[Miemaes]

I'd make sure it's eating high quality food and wait it out as long as it is eating.

He has a very good appetite (bit chonky) and is still very active. I feed them quality pellets and frozen mysis. two small feedings a day.

 

[Reefering1]

Any agression from tankmates?

 

[Cthulukelele]

He has a very good appetite (bit chonky) and is still very active. I feed them quality pellets and frozen mysis. two small feedings a day.

I'd definitely take a wait and see approach then of it's eating voraciously and has only been in the tank a week. Rock/cave dwelling fish often take a bit of time to be out and about and can rough themselves up navigating rockwork

 

[Uncle99]

My tank is fairly new so I’ve had diatoms which are now disappearing (slightly older pics) I’m doing regular water tests so I think my water is fine. PH 8.3 Salinity 1.025 temp 78 degrees Nitrate 3 Ammonia zero I’ll post a new pic from the tank and hopefully the orchid of he doesn’t dart away

I have the orchid as well.
About 2 years.
Comes out to eat only, then retreats.
Is their nature.

Mine had a fight with someone.
Put a mouth size white mark on him.
Healed fully in a few weeks.

Maybe yours fought and lost somewhat?

 

[Cthulukelele]

And if the only other 2 fish in there are a clown and a firefish I can't see them bullying an orchid dottyback

 

[Miemaes]

I see a fire fish goby and pics a little dark and fuzzy
May be bacterial but need brighter/clearer pictures

 

[Miemaes]

Any changes in behaviors like not eating, lathargic, or swimming constantly into current.

What size is the “white patch” what shape?

I would dose nothing until we can get some indication of what, if anything is up.

Bumping can also be a territory display.

How long is “recently”

 

[Miemaes]

I see a fire fish goby and pics a little dark and fuzzy
May be bacterial but need brighter/clearer pictures

 

[vetteguy53081]

Pic dark but appears to be a bacterial issue. Pics under brighter lighting will help confirm as it can also be aggression injury

 

[Miemaes]

I have the orchid as well.
About 2 years.
Comes out to eat only, then retreats.
Is their nature.

Mine had a fight with someone.
Put a mouth size white mark on him.
Healed fully in a few weeks.

Maybe yours fought and lost somewhat?

I haven’t seen them fight. But then again I when I’m around he retreats so it’s hard to say for sure. I thought at first it might have been from hurting himself on the rock or someone nipped his fin… but this white patterns are not very marked so I feel like it might be some sort of bacteria or fungus?! I dont have enough experience to know for sure

 

[Uncle99]

Oh ya, he looks like he’s been in a disagreement.
The good news is it don’t look bad to me.
Mine swam around with insides hanging out, thought he was toast, but he fully healed on his own.
Provided the fight is over.
Keep watch.
This fish can be quite the fighter and will defend its rock.

 

[Miemaes]

Any agression from tankmates?

Not that I have seen