Pintail wrasse with head lesion

Tcook · Dec 23, 2020

I have had this wrasse in QT for the past 6 weeks. It initially hid for a week before I saw him. Stayed in its mucous cocoon. When I saw him I was shocked by what looked like a huge white abrasion on the right head and perioccular area. He started to eat like a pig and the lesion has steadily improved. It is maybe 15% of the size it was. I'm not really concerned about bacteria as it has improved with no treatment. Any ideas? Continue to just let it heal on its own? Secondary fungal? This is a TSM quarantined fish and I gave him a freshwater bath when I received him. Has been in the tank with three other healthy fish: radiant wrasse, flame wrasse, and fire fish.

Tcook · Dec 23, 2020

Anyone? @Jay Hemdal

Jay Hemdal · Dec 23, 2020

Hard to say what that is. The fact that its getting smaller means - hands off! (grin). Fungal infections are very rare in marine fish and secondary fungal infections are virtually unheard of. I suspect this is a bacterial infection from an injury.

Jay

Tcook · Dec 23, 2020

Ok. Sound like nothing contagious to other healthy fish and best thing is to feed well and keep his immune system up. Any reason not to put him in the main display? I have a new wrasse coming on the 11th and want the QT empty of these 2 wrasses before then.

Jay Hemdal · Dec 23, 2020

Well, I didn’t hear that you did any prophylaxis except a FW dip, so there is of course some risk in moving it. I’d wait as long as possible before moving it.
Jay

Tcook · Dec 23, 2020

I received these from TSM after their QT. They have been in my QT since then, almost 6 weeks. They were treated with copper and Prazi there. Do you think there is a need for any further treatment? Another round of Prazi?

Jay Hemdal · Dec 23, 2020

No, I don’t see anything to treat it for, but it would be best if that lesion was all healed before the move (just since we aren’t positive what it is).
Jay