Clownfish with lip issue

[Schism]

No really sure whats going on here. This is a true perc only been in my tank for about a week, no QT.

He was looking great for the first couple of days, acclimated well but didn't start eating. Day three noticed what looked like a white buldge on his lower lip. Looked like a very large spot of ich, although no other ich is noticeable in the tank right now. The tank has been set up for 3 years with only one perc and neon goby, until now.

He now is with the two prior fish, a striped blenny and a clown fairy wrasse.

When I noticed the white spot I decided a freshwater dip might help the problem. Well the large white spot fell off immediately and left an open gaping spot on his lip. It looks like I caught him on a hook and ripped through his lip. He is swimming normally, looks observant, but not interested in food at all. He doesn't appear terribly stressed, although it must be there.

These are the best photos I could get. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

Before anyone goes on the QT rant, I know the risks, pros and cons.

 

[gweston]

A bad case of herpes? Ok maybe not.

I'm suspecting a parasite as it dropped off with the freshwater dip. Maybe run a course of Formalin, followed by a course of Prazipro to cover bases for both external and internal parasites?

I'd say move him into a QT if you can and treat with your favorite bacterial and external parasite meds and observe. Feed well with quality food. Fortify with vitamins, and garlic (not sure how effective garlic is.. but I use it anyway).

At the very least if you can't QT him .. do a medicated dip to help the sore heal up.

 

[Schism]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am pretty sure its a parasite and I am now thinking internal. The fish looks like his lip is ballooning again. I will try and get a little 5 gallon to set up a qt and see what I can do with him in there.

Thanks

 

[gweston]

Speak of the devil, my Ocellaris' chin might be developing a small white blister. She's been perfectly healthy up to this point.. her and her mate have been going crazy with egglaying. Two weeks and two batches of eggs. They are so fixated on tending their clutch they have been eating less. Still eating, but less. Maybe the wear and tear of parenthood to blame for a weakened immune system.

But.. could very well be a battlescar. My Midas Blenny and Clowns get along 99% of the time. But since the clowns decided to park their 'nest' just inches from the Midas' cave (the Midas claimed the spot first), occasionally they get into a bit of a spitting match.

Hope the fish improves. Keep us up to date on how the QT is going.

If my clown's blister gets much larger. I intend to transfer her to QT as well. Maybe a formalin dip first, transfer to QT, then a course of Prazipro. If no improvement... a course of antibacterial.