Whats wrong with my Goby?

[Medici]

Trying to get a picture.

His mouth is stuck wide open and his nose and left side of his mouth looks like it is literally disintegrating. The only thing I can think of is another fish attacked him, but they are all around each other right now and have never been aggressive toward each other. Only other fish are a blue damsel, yellow tang, and one spotted rabbitfish.

 

[Big G]

Any one of those fish could have done the damage. Crabs in the tank?

If there is swelling you can treat it with Epsom Salts. Make sure not to use any scented, salts. Just regular USP grade 1 Tablespoon per 5 gal of tank water.

For open wounds and sores, I like to use NFG Nitrofuracine Green Powder. It has both antiseptic and antibiotic qualities. 1/4 tsp per 20 gallons of tank water. Treat for 10-14 days and 25% water change before each dosing. Premix the NFG in a cup with tank water before dosing into tank.

 

[Medici]

I have 3 emerald crabs, 2 hermits, and 1 pom pom.

It is definitely not swelling. His whole upper lip is gone, basically to both of his eyes, and his mouth is stuck wide open. He usually he eats a lot of frozen shrimp whenever I feed the fish, and he hasn't eaten anything since I have noticed his injury (today). I don't know if it is because he physically can't eat, or can't smell the food.

I do not have a QT, and I am really not trying to go out and buy all that if it can possibly damage my other fish or corals, let alone pay for all of that at my LFS.

My main questions would be:

1) Is it possible for him to recover?

2) Can this affect other fish (besides ammonia if he dies)

3) Is the only possible cause another fish/invert?

Thank you for your response.

 

[Humblefish]

Do you have bristleworms or fireworms in your tank? If he tangled (or tried to eat) one of those, he's in for a world of hurt.

 

[Medici]

Do you have bristleworms or fireworms in your tank? If he tangled (or tried to eat) one of those, he's in for a world of hurt.

I have neither that I am aware of, only a huge spaghetti worm.

UPDATE: I just found the goby dead on the sand, it seems more of his face disintegrated. I had to flush him. Still do not know what caused it.