Plectranthias inernis with split lower jaw

[ZipAdeeZoa]

Hello everyone!

I’ve had a plectranthias inermis in my DT for a few months now and last night I noticed what appeared to be a bump on his lower jaw. I offered him some spirulina brineshrimp and upon closer inspection it appears he somehow managed to split his lower jaw. I took a video that I’ll post later on but in it you clearly see both sides his lower jaw move slightly apart as he respires.

I’m rather unsure of how he managed this but the only logical thing I can think of is he got spooked and bolted into a rock and or got into it with either my scarlet or dwarf blue leg hermit crab (only other tank residents).

He doesnt’ appear to be bothered by it, going about his daily activities and he was still eating just as well as before. Other than keep an eye out for secondary infection and keep up on my water changes is there anything else I can do? Has anyone ever had a fish recover from this sort of injury?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Big G]

If there is any swelling in the area of injury, you could dose the tank with epsoms salts. It can be dosed twice. 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of tank water. Use on pure USP espsoms salts without any additives.

Seen a few fish with similar injuries. Some live long lives; others where the injury impedes eating/feeding don't do too well.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

If there is any swelling in the area of injury, you could dose the tank with epsoms salts. It can be dosed twice. 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of tank water. Use on pure USP espsoms salts without any additives.

Seen a few fish with similar injuries. Some live long lives; others where the injury impedes eating/feeding don't do too well.

Thanks!

I only saw the little guy for a second yesterday but it does appear to be less swollen than the day before, I'll keep an eye on it though, good to know about the epsom salts! Would carbon remove the epsom salts?

Luckily its not interfering with his ability to eat, have you ever seen an injury like this heal to the point where the jaw re attaches to it self or is it likely going to stay as is? If its just cosmetic it doesn't bother, just curious.

 

[Big G]

Epsom salts are harmless to your tank water. It elevates the mag levels just a tiny bit. Water changes just like any other salt would remove added mag and sulfates.

Never seen a jaw re attach. The fish just adapt.

Best of luck with your fish. Hawk fish are so unique looking.