What could have caused this much tissue loss so quickly?

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I’ll try, but it’s healed quite a bit again.

I can only wonder that something in the tank is causing this damage (despite this species commonly getting skin infections from primary bacterial disease and not having damage)

 

[Ziggy17]

I can only wonder that something in the tank is causing this damage (despite this species commonly getting skin infections from primary bacterial disease and not having damage)

I’m befuddled. In 30 plus years of keeping fish, I’ve never seen a bacterial infection this aggressive. Especially after it’s been knocked back with meds and healed. Which is why I’m wondering if a fire worm could cause that type of damage. However, I just can’t imagine the goby just sitting there and letting something eat away at the tissue. Literally could see the back bones of the fish the second time.

 

[Ziggy17]

It’s hard to tell as it’s well healed now, but this go around it was trice the length and twice as deep. Luckily this goby is as stubborn as a mule and refuses to die from it. I’m just at a loss in terms of cause.