Orchard dottyback help

[Marine430]

I have an orchard dottyback that is in dire need of help. He is just laying on his side gasping for air don't know what to do for him?

 

[Humblefish]

Is he a new fish? In QT or in your DT? If the latter, how long has your DT been setup?

Need more info...

 

[Marine430]

He is in my DT. Been in it for 3 months. His brother is doing well but not him. The rest of the fish look great also.

 

[Marine430]

DT tank been setup since April

 

[Humblefish]

I would perform a FW dip to check for flukes: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/freshwater-dip.248898/

Even if no flukes show, if his breathing eases following the dip that highly suggests he has parasites (like velvet) inside his gills.

If he dies during the FW dip, odds are he was beyond the point of saving...

 

[Marine430]

I don't have ro water at this time. Can I use tap and add prim?

 

[Humblefish]

I don't have ro water at this time. Can I use tap and add prim?

Yes, just be sure temperature matches the DT and you heavily aerate the water (using an airstone) for at least 30 mins before the dip.

Try to use a dark (preferably black) container so you can see if tiny white worms fall out of the fish (especially out of the gills) at around the 3-4 minute mark. The worms will settle to the bottom, so you can use a flashlight to look for them there as well.

The video in the link above is good to watch while you are waiting for the water to aerate.

 

[Marine430]

I was to late just died in the tank. I will dip him anyway

 

[Humblefish]

I was to late just died in the tank. I will dip him anyway

Sorry for your loss. It's a good idea to FW dip the body to check for flukes.

If they show up, you will need to treat your entire DT with Prazipro: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/prazipro.247598/

 

[Marine430]

Thanks for your help. Examination of the fish findings death by fighting. Probably my clowns

 

[ngoodermuth]

Thanks for your help. Examination of the fish findings death by fighting. Probably my clowns

You said his "brother", another dottyback?

 

[Marine430]

Yeah well fish store sold them as a mated pair. But they both looked the same so figured they were more twins then a couple.

 

[Humblefish]

Yeah well fish store sold them as a mated pair. But they both looked the same so figured they were more twins then a couple.

His "brother" might have been the one who killed him. Dottybacks are notoriously aggressive/territorial.