Injured fish?

[cam4ou]

I have a red leopard sailfin Blenny. He’s about 4 inches long and I’ve had him for around a month. Two nights ago, I noticed that a section of scales on his right dorsum side was missing. When I woke up today, the injury looks deeper, wider, and is now over the top and onto the left side. Other tank occupants are three clowns and a damsel (little bittie guy who has never been aggressive) and some medium sized hermit crabs. What could be causing this? Could the hermit have done it?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What size is the tank? Do you have a lot of rockwork?

 

[cam4ou]

50 gallon tank. Not a ton of rock. And he’s lived in there for over a month without scraping himself. I feel like since it happened one night and got worse in the same spot the next night, it’s likely not because of the rock.

 

[Jekyl]

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[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

50 gallon tank. Not a ton of rock. And he’s lived in there for over a month without scraping himself. I feel like since it happened one night and got worse in the same spot the next night, it’s likely not because of the rock.

In the pictures, its eyes look foggy - are they like that in person?
How long have you had this fish?

 

[cam4ou]

In the pictures, its eyes look foggy - are they like that in person?
How long have you had this fish?

Eyes are clear. I’ve had him for about a month with no difficulties

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Eyes are clear. I’ve had him for about a month with no difficulties

Thanks, I just wanted to rule out flukes here. I agree this looks like it is some sort of injury. However, blennies evolved to live in rocks, so this wasn’t self inflicted. It is also in an unusual spot for tankmate aggression. That leaves the possibility of a primary bacterial infection. It getting worse also supports that idea.

Treating this isn’t going to be easy - I’d suggest moving the fish to a small hospital tank and treating with a broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic like Neoplex.

 

[cam4ou]

Thanks, I just wanted to rule out flukes here. I agree this looks like it is some sort of injury. However, blennies evolved to live in rocks, so this wasn’t self inflicted. It is also in an unusual spot for tankmate aggression. That leaves the possibility of a primary bacterial infection. It getting worse also supports that idea.

Treating this isn’t going to be easy - I’d suggest moving the fish to a small hospital tank and treating with a broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic like Neoplex.

I unfortunately don’t live anywhere near where this would be sold and don’t have any on hand. Looks like it’ll be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully he makes it until then

 

[Jekyl]

I unfortunately don’t live anywhere near where this would be sold and don’t have any on hand. Looks like it’ll be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully he makes it until then

Sorry for what you're going through. These things are always tough. Keep us updated on what's going on and welcome to R2R!