New Goby with odd patch on skin

[cshouston]

I received a Bella Goby from Diver’s Den yesterday and today I noticed a discolored patch of skin behind its head. I’m attaching two photographs. My gut reaction is that it may have just scratched itself on a rock, but better safe than sorry, so I hope one of the experts here can give their opinion. Thanks!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

That isn’t a likely spot for a goby to injure itself. Additionally, sand sifting gobies are adept at dealing with substrate.
Jay

Divers Den fish are supposed to go through at least a cursory QT, but Live Aquaria fish are sometimes drop-shipped, right?

 

[cshouston]

LA fish are, but this came directly from Diver’s Den in Wisconsin, overnight. They do go through a medication and quarantine process. One thing I noticed was that this one was sold singly, although they’re most often sold as pairs. I’m wondering if maybe its “buddy” had a go at it which is why it was sold solo. It otherwise acts perfectly normal, and all other fish in the tank were also quarantined.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

LA fish are, but this came directly from Diver’s Den in Wisconsin, overnight. They do go through a medication and quarantine process. One thing I noticed was that this one was sold singly, although they’re most often sold as pairs. I’m wondering if maybe its “buddy” had a go at it which is why it was sold solo. It otherwise acts perfectly normal, and all other fish in the tank were also quarantined.

Weird- my post seems to be missing a section where I said that it looks like the fish is in a DT, so your treatments would be limited; perhaps Focus + GC or an antibiotic.

Jay

 

[cshouston]

Weird- my post seems to be missing a section where I said that it looks like the fish is in a DT, so your treatments would be limited; perhaps Focus + GC or an antibiotic.

Jay

I have a 20 gallon QT tank. I can try to net it and place it in there. I currently have on hand: cupramine, PraziPro, acriflavine, doxycycline, and metronidazole.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have a 20 gallon QT tank. I can try to net it and place it in there. I currently have on hand: cupramine, PraziPro, acriflavine, doxycycline, and metronidazole.

Ok, if the fish is feeding, you should probably just be prepared to move it...
Doxycycline wouldn’t be my first choice- tetracycline class drugs are inhibited by calcium n the water, they are better suited as oral meds.
Jay

 

[cshouston]

Ok, if the fish is feeding, you should probably just be prepared to move it...
Doxycycline wouldn’t be my first choice- tetracycline class drugs are inhibited by calcium n the water, they are better suited as oral meds.
Jay

The goby is feeding, yes. I can get some nitrofurazone on my way home if that would be a better option should the spot get any worse.