Springer Damsel missing scales above eye

[MAH]

I bought 2 Springer Damsels about 3 weeks ago, they are currently sharing a 75 gallon tank with 2 clown fish. At the end of last week, I noticed the bigger Springer was missing some scales above his eye that were there the day before. It does not seem to be getting better, in fact, it seems to be getting a little larger/longer. I originally thought he had gotten into a fight and it would heal.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what this is and if it needs to be treated?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I bought 2 Springer Damsels about 3 weeks ago, they are currently sharing a 75 gallon tank with 2 clown fish. At the end of last week, I noticed the bigger Springer was missing some scales above his eye that were there the day before. It does not seem to be getting better, in fact, it seems to be getting a little larger/longer. I originally thought he had gotten into a fight and it would heal.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what this is and if it needs to be treated?

looks like bite marks and i'd be willing to bet the larger clown is the culprit. You can either isolate the damsel for several days or set your phone on video mode for about 40 mins and drop a little food and walk away - YOU MUST walk away as they know youre there. Often the aggressor is a jerk at feeding time.
Review the video and see who it may be

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Is it just involving one eye? If so, I would agree it is an injury. Any other symptoms? If not, that's probably it. Missing scales can take a long time to heal (a month or more), even if they don't become infected.

Jay

 

[MAH]

Thank you both for the feedback.