Wrasse Question

charged · Mar 20, 2017

Hi,
2 weeks ago I purchased a Flasher and orange shoulder wrasse which I have in a QT tank. They were both out most of the time the 1st week then the 2nd went into hiding. The only time they came out was when I would feed live black worms. This past Sat. the flasher was eating, didn't eat Sunday and died this AM. The orange shoulder is still hiding but eating tonight. I don't see any spots or markings on either but did notice the orange shoulder had what looks like white poop coming out. Neither were flashing or breathing heavy. Not sure if it could be an internal infection or something I'm not familiar with. Any help or advice would be appreciated. FWIW the only food they eat is live black worms.

TY

Humblefish · Mar 20, 2017

White stringy poop is a symptom of internal parasites: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/internal-parasites-intestinal-worms.267419/

However, the reclusive behavior makes me wonder if these fish might also have velvet: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/velvet-amyloodinium-ocellatum.217570/

charged · Mar 20, 2017

Humblefish said:
White stringy poop is a symptom of internal parasites: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/internal-parasites-intestinal-worms.267419/

However, the reclusive behavior makes me wonder if these fish might also have velvet: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/velvet-amyloodinium-ocellatum.217570/

Would treating for velvet hurt the fish if that is not what he has? I'm guessing because of how quickly it can kill the fish I don't have much time. Also if it was velvet would it show after 2 weeks?

melypr1985 · Mar 20, 2017

agreed ^^ I have nothing constructive to add to what humble posted.

melypr1985 · Mar 20, 2017

charged said:
Would treating for velvet hurt the fish if that is not what he has? I'm guessing because of how quickly it can kill the fish I don't have much time. Also if it was velvet would it show after 2 weeks?

It wouldn't hurt to treat prophylactically for velvet. Some wrasses will have it and not show much in the way of physical symptoms, so we rely on behavioral ones.

charged · Mar 20, 2017

melypr1985 said:
agreed ^^ I have nothing constructive to add to what humble posted.

Would treating for velvet harm the wrasse if it is not velvet?

melypr1985 · Mar 20, 2017

charged said:
Would treating for velvet harm the wrasse if it is not velvet?

No, it shouldn't. You would still want to treat for intestinal worms though.

charged · Mar 20, 2017

melypr1985 said:
No, it shouldn't. You would still want to treat for intestinal worms though.

At the same time?

melypr1985 · Mar 20, 2017

charged said:
At the same time?

Yes it would be fine to do at the same time. The metroplex is combined with focus so it is bound to the food. This makes it safe to combine with other treatments.

charged · Mar 21, 2017

melypr1985 said:
No, it shouldn't. You would still want to treat for intestinal worms though.

Thank You for your help Mel and Humble.

charged · Mar 21, 2017

Wrasse didn't make it today. He was breathing heavy this AM died before I got home. I'll disinfect tank Filter, LR and heater w/bleach @ 2oz PG. How long before I can set up Tank again assuming it was velvet?

Humblefish · Mar 21, 2017

charged said:
Wrasse didn't make it today. He was breathing heavy this AM died before I got home. I'll disinfect tank Filter, LR and heater w/bleach @ 2oz PG. How long before I can set up Tank again assuming it was velvet?

I would take everything outside, clean with vinegar and let air dry for a few days before resetting the QT back up.