What happened to my Mandarin?

ZachsZoo · Jan 9, 2018

Maritimer said:
This looks more like an infection to me than anything else - but it's an odd infection. He also looks very thin, which may be due to decline from the wound.

The combination of Furan-2, Kanaplex, and Metroplex (in a QT) is one that's worked for many, but it's complicated by a mandarin's dietary habits. Some folks have reported success with Nutramar OVA.

~Bruce

Thanks for the info, in the past day he has lost almost half his body mass. He was really healthy just last week, it surprises me how fast he has declined in health.

EmdeReef · Jan 9, 2018

I’d treat the secondary infection at least or euthanize as it will more than likely keep spreading and could last days if untreated. It’s either aggression (shrimp showed any aggression? Fireworm?) or a bacterial infection. A few species could cause this. Good luck!

beastium · Jan 9, 2018

Looks like a wound that got infected perhaps a punch from the pistol shrimp as the mandarin is a slow mover along the floor

Skynyrd Fish · Jan 9, 2018

It really looks like a pistol shrimp punch or a parasite. It really looks like something ate him. Is there stringy white slime coming off the area?

Skynyrd Fish · Jan 9, 2018

Check tonight when the lights are out with a flash light. If somethings munching on him you'll be able to catch him in the act. I hate to say I think he's a goner.

ZachsZoo · Jan 10, 2018

Thanks everyone for your help, sadly he did pass away earlier today. Thankfully, I don't see any signs of infection or sickness in any of my other fish. I am beginning to think this was caused by my pistol shrimp even though he is less than 1/2 inch. I will be sure to stop by the LFS later this week to get some meds and set up a small quarantine system. If I notice anything else strange with my other fish I will post again.
~Zach