Injured fairy wrasse.

[Paul87]

So, a Cirrhilabrus cf cyanopleura came in today looking like its has a hard life. The first thing I noticed was the mouth injury. Looks pretty bad to me, but I don't know a whole lot about fish injuries to tell the truth. I also noticed a light colored patch that looks kinda like the scales are missing, right by his gills on one side. They let me have him for really cheap because of this. I felt bad for the fish, and he has some nice colors. He did eat some frozen food and some new life pellets and has remained mostly active. I assume the mouth injury will heal over time as long as he is eating well. The spot I have no clue. Possibly a scrape injury or something worse? Also, is there anything I can do to aid healing? I tried to get some decent photos but my little camera wasn't making it easy.

 

[melypr1985]

That mouth looks pretty jacked up. Let's give @eatbreakfast and @evolved a shout out here. It doesn't look infected and doesn't look to have any other maladies besides the missing scales, though that doesn't appear to be in trouble either. I haven't had good luck with wrasses with injured mouths like that, even if they are eating. I would suggest vitamins as per normal, and maybe having an antibiotic available in case you need it. Something like kanaplex or furan 2.

 

[domination2580]

What melypr said. I would feed with vitamins such as selcon to help immune system and to help the healing process. And to be ready in case something does appear to be wrong with it. (Antibiotics)

 

[Paul87]

Thanks guys. I already use selcon, so that's a check. I'll look into antibiotics as well.

 

[Humblefish]

I would suggest a Methylene Blue bath in a few days if hes not looking any better: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/methylene-blue.257467/

Or you could dose Epsom salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) if his lip starts to swell.

Both are minimally invasive treatments; but for right now he just needs food, quiet (I wouldn't run the lights for too long) and some TLC.

Would also be a good idea to keep an antibiotic on hand (as mentioned above) just in case something begins to look infected.

 

[eatbreakfast]

The discolored scales are fine, they are just differently colored, not damaged. The mouth should heal as well, mouth injries are a common injury from transport.

 

[Paul87]

Thanks everyone. @eatbreakfast , the scales are more than just discolored. I'll try to get a better photo of it later on. It's hard to tell in the photo. The 3rd photo is the only one you can see it in.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Thanks everyone. @eatbreakfast , the scales are more than just discolored. I'll try to get a better photo of it later on. It's hard to tell in the photo. The 3rd photo is the only one you can see it in.

Apologies, I thought the red scales on the back half of the body is what you were referring to. The damage by the pectoral fin should heal.

 

[Salty1962]

Good luck with your recovery. You have the best advise for it. Awesome looking fish!

 

[Paul87]

Thanks everyone for the advice. @Salty1962, I believe you are right. I'm not sure what some of use would do without some of the "known members" of this forum. He is a very pretty fish, haven't really seen them before in my area.

 

[Paul87]

Apologies, I thought the red scales on the back half of the body is what you were referring to. The damage by the pectoral fin should heal.

No need to apologize, I always count on your advice my friend. Thanks.

 

[Paul87]

This guy appears to be doing well. I did not do the bath in methalene blue. Figured I'd order some if injuries worsened any. Couldnt find it locally. His mouth appears to be healing up. The other spot looks about the same, but hasnt worsened. He's eating like a pig too. Using garlic and selcon in his food. I'll update with some photos soon.

 

[Paul87]

 

[Paul87]

 

[Paul87]

Just a little update. The spot on his side is slowly vanishing. His mouth is still healing up nicely as well. This guy is shaping up to be a big ol' baby. Gets along with all the crew and loves checking me and the camera out. This is the side that had the injury in this photo taken today.

 

[cale0721]

That's awesome that he pulled through!
Great looking fairy too!

 

[Paul87]

That's awesome that he pulled through!
Great looking fairy too!

Thanks. They are really awesome and chill fish. This guy is off to a bigger home. I'm glad I was able to nurse him back some from his rough petco adventure.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Glad he's doing better!