What's wrong with my anthias? See video.

JGTPA · Jun 23, 2021

3 month old tank. All water quality is good, all other fish are eating & behaving normally. The 2 anthias have been in the system the longest. Any idea on what is going on with the one anthias? Bloated, odd mobility, & white "string" observed coming out of anus (no longer there). Internal parasites? I want to try to help this guy if possible!

Jay Hemdal · Jun 23, 2021

Hi, the title of your thread says "see video" but I don't see one. Can you get a clearer picture taken under while/natural light? Is this anthias still eating?

The basic diagnosis is internal parasites, (protozoans or worms) or gas forming bacteria. Trouble is, these are difficult to treat and each has a different medication.

Jay

JGTPA · Jun 23, 2021

I apologize. Don't know why the video won't post. But I attached a photo. He is still eating but barely. He's out and active but maybe not mobile enough to make it to the food. The white stringy thing that is coming out is what made me think about internal parasites. I'd love to help the poor guy out some how but also want to make sure that I'm proactive with the rest of the fish.

Jay Hemdal · Jun 23, 2021

Medicated food is tricky to dose, and won’t work if the fish isn’t eating well. If you have a treatment tank available you could dose with antibiotics and Prazipro and metronidazole and cover most of the issues. Without a treatment tank you could dose th DT with prazipro (with good aeration) and at least treat for worm parasites.
Jay

JGTPA · Jun 23, 2021

Jay Hemdal said:
Medicated food is tricky to dose, and won’t work if the fish isn’t eating well. If you have a treatment tank available you could dose with antibiotics and Prazipro and metronidazole and cover most of the issues. Without a treatment tank you could dose th DT with prazipro (with good aeration) and at least treat for worm parasites.
Jay

Thank you! I assume that I would need a hospital tank since I do have corals & other inverts in the display. Correct?