What is this sore??!

[PoppyD88]

I’ve had this clownfish for a few months, just recently moved it over from a 55gallon to a 10gallon a few days ago because it was attacking my other clownfish. It’s tank mates are a cleaner shrimp and a emerald crab. Since the introduction to the new tank, it’s been hanging around the heater. I think the sore is a heater burn but i’m worried it will turn into an infection. I know clownfish are hardy but I still worry. Are there any meds that i should put in to prevent infection? Or should i leave it alone and see how the sore heals?

 

[fishguy242]

hi,lets call a doctor @Jay Hemdal #reefsquad

 

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Bummptiy Bump Bumpity Boo

#reefsquad @Humblefish @Jay Hemdal @PrayForFishDisease

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I’ve had this clownfish for a few months, just recently moved it over from a 55gallon to a 10gallon a few days ago because it was attacking my other clownfish. It’s tank mates are a cleaner shrimp and a emerald crab. Since the introduction to the new tank, it’s been hanging around the heater. I think the sore is a heater burn but i’m worried it will turn into an infection. I know clownfish are hardy but I still worry. Are there any meds that i should put in to prevent infection? Or should i leave it alone and see how the sore heals?

Heaters rarely, if ever cause burns on a fish. The tank water pulls the heat away from them too fast. The only way a fish could be burned is by covering the heater tightly with its body. I've seen it once with a bamboo shark, but never on an actively swimming fish.

First thing to rule out - have you tested the new tank for ammonia? If that is zero, then I would be inclined to suspect a skin infection from being scraped during the move. Your choice then would be to wait and see if it improves on its own, or treat with a broad spectrum, gram negative antibiotic.

Jay