Lost male clown - trying to save female

[robojet]

Ok... not flukes then... wasn't sure.

I have the API and Seachem test kits. I don't find the color charts easy to read, but by my best ability, they are both reading .5. I did the .25 for 48 hours and then raised it to .5. It's been at .5 for probably around 5 days.

 

[leebca]

You need to be concerned about two things: repairing the mucous coating and preventing a bacterial infection. It is very easy for the loss of mucous coating to lead to bacterial infections.

Acquire the antibiotic Maracyn Two for saltwater fish and begin to use it immediately.

Acquire and use Pro Tech Coat Marine or StressGuard to help the fish repair its coating.

 

[robojet]

Lee, thank you for your continued support.

Is there any concern treating all the fish with the antibiotic (they're all in Qt together) and mixing that with cupramine?

 

[leebca]

You're welcome.

This antibiotic is appropriate with Cupramine and can be used at the same time.

No problem with all fish being thus treated. Follow directions that come with the Maracyn Two.

 

[robojet]

Maracyn Two is turning out to be difficult to find... still looking. Is there another option that I can use with Cupramine?

 

[leebca]

You should use an antibiotic that is directed toward Gram Negative bacteria. When you have those that are available to you, write to Seachem with your list and ask if any on the list are compatible for use with Cupramine. Many antibiotics are compatible, however I only know for sure, Maracyn Two.

 

[robojet]

Of all places... I found Maracyn Two in Bullhead City, AZ at PetSmart!

All the remaining fish appear to be doing well... the only sign of trouble is the Kole with the marks (as shown before). All fish eating well

 

[robojet]

I purchased the StressGuard, but have held off on using it since it says not to use with Copper based medications. SeaChem's website does say not to use it with Cupramine. Did I misunderstand the post? Was the stress guard intended to be used after the Cupramine treatment was complete?

 

[leebca]

Yes. After.

 

[robojet]

Just a quick report... last antibiotic treatment is today. No more fish deaths. Hoping I can get them through treatment without losing anymore, everyone eating well and looking pretty good.

One thing... my female clown has what looks like a pimple just under her mouth. It's been there for quite some time (prior to these other things happening)... She was hosting an open brain, and I thought it was just a sting or some other mild injury. It has not gone away with the antibiotic or cupramine treatment. Any ideas on this?

 

[leebca]

More and more Anemonefishes have been showing up with this 'pimple.' I'm not convinced yet what it is. However it seems to have responded to:

1. Surgical removal. A bit complex and requires a steady head and hand.

2. A combo of Formalin dips. Less than 70% effective.

3. Separation from the coral/anemone it hosted in.

It's been known to go away on its own IF the fish is being fed properly, with proper nutrition AND in a high water quality environment.

 

[robojet]

Do you know if this 'pimple' it is a threat to the fish, or just ugly?

 

[leebca]

Regarding the spot. . .It depends on what it is. It can be a number of things.

It can be an infection. It can swell, show the inflammatory response (turn reddish) and potentially get large enough to kill the fish. The spot doesn't kill as much as the waste from the bacteria causing it. Like in humans, the bacteria are walled off into a pimple like structure. If the bacteria and bacteria wastes are released internally, the fish might not survive.

If it is an injury, it should be healing not getting worse. Only you can tell if it's getting worse or healing. I'm not there to see it for myself.

If it is a parasite, it may swell until the fish can't eat (noted in my previous post) and may rupture. Usually a visual sign of there being a parasite involved is notable. Also, if a parasite, more 'spots' usually show up.

Are you able to take a few good photos of what it is you're looking at and post them here?

 

[robojet]

I'll keep trying to get photos... I have been unsuccessful so far.

I don't think it's a parasite, as it's always appeared in this one place, and no more have ever appeared. I have seen it before, and it seems to 'cycle'. It will get larger and smaller (almost going away). It is currently in a larger state. I haven't kept track of how long this particular issue has been going on, but I feel safe in saying it's been many many months.

I'll try to get that photo.

Thanks!

 

[robojet]

Photos of the Pimple

This is the best I've been able to get...

 

[robojet]

The best photo so far... hopefully this will help...

 

[leebca]

Side photo is good, but the head-on photo is too blurred to be of much value.

I would take the fish in to a vet (university, veterinarian school, college, etc.) that specializes in fish and have them diagnose it properly and/or surgically remove it.

 

[robojet]

I wasn't aware of any vet schools that specialize in fish... I'll start looking, but I'm thinking this is going to be difficult to find.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

I wasn't aware of any vet schools that specialize in fish... I'll start looking, but I'm thinking this is going to be difficult to find.

Might start with CMFVMU
California Marine Fish Veterinary Medicine University

 

[robojet]

Another update:
No additional losses
Finished copper and antibiotic treatments
Started StressGuard (after several days of carbon and 2 large water changes)
All fish appear to be doing well
Only problem seems to be the odd patches in the bodies of the tang and basslet-hoping the StressGuard helps that

Thanks