Is this a bacterial infection? Grey splotches on fish.

[Miami Reef]

I just did a water change and easily picked up the fish for the picture.

Fish went through copper, metro, and prazi.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

When you say you could easily pick the fish up, that doesn’t sound normal.
It looks like the gray is outlining the individual scales. How long has it had that?
Jay

 

[Miami Reef]

When you say you could easily pick the fish up, that doesn’t sound normal.
It looks like the gray is outlining the individual scales. How long has it had that?
Jay

No, the fish is active. I just drained to the bottom of the tank. I didn’t want you to think I stressed out the fish to catch it.

I think it just recently got this. Maybe 1-2 days ago? It’s in observation right now. No anemones nor corals.

 

[Miami Reef]

When you say you could easily pick the fish up, that doesn’t sound normal.
It looks like the gray is outlining the individual scales. How long has it had that?
Jay

I have a microscope. Would this help identifying anything?

 

[Tamberav]

Is there another clown in with it? Maybe they had a scuffle.

 

[Miami Reef]

Is there another clown in with it? Maybe they had a scuffle.

Yes. I have 2 maroons. This one is the female and the other is a small male.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have a microscope. Would this help identifying anything?

O.K. - so here is the thing: I've seem to recall seeing this before, but it was a long time ago and I cannot remember what was the cause/outcome. I don't want to say yay or nay on moving the fish out, since I don't know what it is. I'd like to see if others have fresher advice......

I don't think that a skin scrape will tell you anything though, this is unlikely to be protozoan or metazoan, and those are really what you are likely to see under a microscope. Bacteria, viruses and environmental issues won't be seen under a scope.

Jay