What is wrong with my wrasse?

sawdonkey · Jan 18, 2015

I've purchased and put a Vrolik's wrasse and a cosmetus wrasse in QT for the last 19 days. I've done tank transfer (4 transfers every three days) method and in two of the transfers, I ran prazi. Both fish have been eating throughout the process. After the fourth transfer, I've just been observing. Yesterday, the cosmetus had a messed up area on his side and one of his fins. He's still eating, but it looks pretty bad. I'm wondering if he has a disease, or if he got burned by the heater. I noticed that he was hanging around it quite a bit.

Please take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks.

eatbreakfast · Jan 18, 2015

It looks like physical damage, not an infecton. It should get better, but try putting a tupperware container with sand so that he has a safer place for cover than behind a heater.

sawdonkey · Jan 18, 2015

Thanks, this is what I was thinking. He sleeps in a pvc pipe. They will both remain in qt for a while longer while I observe. I also put the heater horizontal near the top of the aquarium, so they no longer swim behind it.

Triggreef · Jan 18, 2015

I agree, looks like injury. If they are eating I wouldn't worry. As far as the cup of sand, I've done both ways but giving them the sand take away the risk of injury by them trying to dive into the glass bottom. So lately I've gone more with sand for wrasses.

sawdonkey · Jan 20, 2015

He's looking worse tonight. The sore on his side is pretty bad and the fin on that side is in bad shape. He's having a hard time swimming. I put a bowl of sand in and he dove right in. I also did a 50 percent water change.

Not really sure what I can do now. The Vrolik's is still fine.

Triggreef · Jan 20, 2015

Could go with a good anti bacterial to aid against infection. Been a while since I've used any but kanamycin or erythromycin come to mind. Can check national fish pharm. Com for suggestions. Good site.

Triggreef · Jan 20, 2015

Just make sure you do the whole treatment as suggested. If you stop prematurely the bacteria can build resistance and then come back with vengeance.

eatbreakfast · Jan 20, 2015

Triggreef said:
Could go with a good anti bacterial to aid against infection. Been a while since I've used any but kanamycin or erythromycin come to mind. Can check national fish pharm. Com for suggestions. Good site.

Yes^ and dont use anything but an antibacterial, as other treatments can cause problems to fish with open wounds.