Raccon Butterfly

[Toto851]

I have a Raccoon Butterfuly and it is beating itself up on the rock. Its getting to the point that the fins are battered and I am at a loss of what to do!

The Nitrate level did spike WAY to high but we have that under control now. (It reached as high at 80)

It doesn't show any signs that it is sick.

Please let me know what you think. I would hate to see 'Ricky' (as named by my 5 year old) beat himself up to the extent that he'll die.

Thank you for any feedback.

 

[Mike&Terry]

Can you post some pics of the fish? How long have you had it and was the fish quarantined? Also, are you seeing any spots on the fish?

There are a number of parasites that can cause flashing.

 

[Toto851]

I will try to figure this out. I have had the fish for a month and he acts perfectly normal aside from the flashing. No spots,eating healthy and interacts well with the other fish

 

[Toto851]

I will try to figure this out.

I'm sorry, I meant the picure thing.

 

[mike007]

What size tank do you have and what is his size?

 

[Toto851]

I have a 75 gal tank and he is about 4 to 5 inches now.

 

[mike007]

Tank size should be okay for now. I would have to agree with Terry there is some sort of parasite which is bothering the fish. If you can quaratine him and medicate i don't know what else to do.

 

[Toto851]

I don't have a QT tank. suggestions on how to set one up? I'll attach a photo. I don't see any symptoms of a parasite BUT I'm still learning!

 

[Toto851]

OH Poo!! How do I upload photos? I go to insert image and my computer and then when I get to the upload button it doesn't do anything!!!

 

[Toto851]

This is the shot of his profile. You can see his fins are getting tattered from flashing the rocks.

This is hard to see his profile but you can see a nice shot of his fins.

ANY IDEAS? I'm at loss, I don't know who else to ask! I've tired the people we bought the fish from and even the company they order from.

(we aren't close to anyone who deal in saltwater fish. So most of our business has to be the internet. The closest live person(s) to speak with are 3 hours away.)

 

[Toto851]

They almost look like salt deposits on the fins.......is this a possibility?

 

[Mike J.]

That is one unhappy fish. I would get him in a quarantine tank immediately. I have a Raccoon, his name is Rocky. They are very timid fish and don't like to be harassed. I think by your photos that it has MI (Ich) and maybe something else?

 

[Toto851]

I think you're right. I have spots today in my tank on him and another fish.

*sigh*

Can I treat the whole tank?

 

[Toto851]

I didn't realize that Ich could attack the fin. I just thought that it would be white spots that would form of the muscle of the fish

 

[Mike J.]

Sorry, I'd say that most likely your raccoon is not going to make it. Like I said, they are very timid fish. But, still, please give it a fighting chance. Here is a good link for what you need to know.Marine Ich - Myths and Facts

 

[Mike J.]

Actually, the fish is probably tearing his own fins. The MI is actually in the gills of the fish and by the time a fish gets to that stage it's already in very bad condition. IME with Raccoons they need pristine water quality, don't like being harassed, and are very timid.

I didn't realize that Ich could attack the fin. I just thought that it would be white spots that would form of the muscle of the fish

 

[Toto851]

That makes me sad. Especially since he came with it and I was told that it wasn't diseased and was my water quality. Which is now where is should be. I hope that with the tank being exposed to it that I can get it taken care of. I know that we will be devistated if we lose our fish to a 'newbie' mistake and not recognizing it in time to QT him.

I will drive to town (3 hours) and get something to treat the tank and cross our fingers! I noticed our tang had spots that I knew to look for. The spots on it are also light brown and fade with the light as well as the white spots. Do I have more going on in my tank?

 

[Mike J.]

But, on the other hand, Raccoons are very personable. Rocky thinks my wife is a cleaner shrimp and will come up to the top to get scratched by her. He will also eat out of your hand. Also, IMO, they will eat more aiptasia than any other fish. Really sorry your fish is suffering; I have a special place in my heart for mine.

 

[Toto851]

I love mine, he is my soft spot. I'm going to guess that he came in with it from the shipment and because we recieved all of our fish at the same time, didn't QT them. I just feel bad that I didn't catch it and now have all fish exposed. I'm hoping that with the right advice from this site I can save them (yes, even Ricky if I'm lucky!!)


Thanks for your help! I REALLY appreciate it!

 

[Mike J.]

Read the article before you make a 3 hour drive. The ONLY way to rid your tank of MI is to have it fishless for about 8 weeks. I hope other people read this thread and realize how devastating it can be to introduce a new fish without QT.