Ouch! Suggestions for injured chromis?

[cmcoker]

I've got a trio of black axil chromis, the dominant one appears to have had a scuffle. Other fish include a mated pair of clowns, YWG and Lawnmower blenny.

The injured chromis' top lip is basically torn off except at the lip margins. The lip is hanging over the lower jaw. What the heck should I do with it?

I'm trying to get a better pic but she's still zipping around the tank.
I threw some pellets in and she is trying to eat with normal gusto, but is having difficulty opening her mouth it appears..

 

[cmcoker]

I know it's hard to make out but I highlighted the top and bottom of the upper lip in this pic

 

[cmcoker]

Better pic

 

[eatbreakfast]

If it is eating, good, even if it is having trouble.

The injury is not uncommon when vying for position in the hierarchy.

 

[cmcoker]

If it is eating, good, even if it is having trouble.

The injury is not uncommon when vying for position in the hierarchy.

Thanks! I'm suspicious it was the female clownfish they have a clutch about to hatch, I expect they are more protective of their area during this time. The clowns were moved over from a smaller tank several months ago and just started laying again.
I haven't ruled out one of the other chromis, but that's my guess from watching the interactions in the tank.
The injured fish has been the most dominant one in the tank..

 

[Humblefish]

Might do him some good to get R&R in a frag tank or something. I know when one of my fish gets hurt, its like blood in the water.

 

[melypr1985]

I saw this happen to a chevron tang. Unfortunately he kept rubbing it on things until it got torn all the way off. he still attempted to eat and I thought I saw him actually getting food but he died three days later, sorry to say. I hope your little guy makes it though! Watch closely to see if he's still eating, if he is then start watching for infection.

 

[cmcoker]

I could try to catch him to move to a hospital tank, if it starts looking worse. I would have a difficult time getting him out.. Won't go near a trap, may have to try to start feeding from a net...
Still acting fine yesterday, have not noticed any flashing/rubbing, yet.
I will say it's a fish I had tried to remove previously cause I wanted to go down to 1 chromis cause they are pigs and eat 80% of the food that hits the tank, but I haven't been able to trap or net any on them... Someone thinks they need to add more food all the time so the other fish get enough...

 

[Humblefish]

Have you tried a bottle trap? Sometimes that works on smaller fish.

 

[cmcoker]

Have you tried a bottle trap? Sometimes that works on smaller fish.

I have, left it in the tank almost a week. All the chromis stayed on the other side of the tank the entire time, and would rather starve...
Looks like 2 small red spots starting on the injured area, still eating and normal activities. I'll try to get a pic later.