Copperband Butterfly Help

[smellslikeTUNA]

I picked up a copperband butterfly from my LFS on Sunday night (11/27) along with the frozen food blend they make, which he had been eating very well. I noticed that he had some slight discoloration on his scales when I got him, but didn't think much of it. Its almost like they look dirty, definitely a brownish color. He was eating and acting fine until yesterday evening. He began swimming somewhat lethargically and hanging out out near the bottom in one of the corners. Now today, I just came home and he is swimming near the top and appears to be sticking his mouth out of the water pretty frequently, almost as if he is short on air? He has also not been eating like he had been up until yesterday. My ocellaris and damsel are doing fine, and all my params check out. Any ideas on what this could be and/or any suggestions on what I can do about it?

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

heres a pic

 

[brannock_16]

Did you QT the CBB? Do you know how long the LFS had him before you made the purchase?

It definitely looks like some sort of infection (perhaps bacterial?) but I am not certain. Hopefully someone can chime in quickly and help.

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

I didn't QT, stupid stupid stupid I know. The store is pretty reputable and has a forum that is moderated by one of the owners so I am hoping he gets back to me soon. CBB is now in QT. Anybody got anything on this?? hoping I caught whatever this is early enough

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

This one is from the night I brought him home, you can see the brown towards the top


and now tonight....

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

bump

 

[Perched Urchin]

The color in your pics is very blue so it is hard to tell exactly, but I am sorry to say that looks like hemmohragic septicemia to me. I have had a run ins with it in CBBs previously when they are newly imported and it is almost always fatal. As far as I know, by the time it really shows, it is too late for the fish. Maracyn-II for saltwater is the antibiotic I have been told to use for treatment, but in my experience, I have not been able
To bring one back once it is this symptomatic. I am not an expert, and I hope I am wrong, but the behavior and the rash sound/look like this. Sorry.

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

thanks, unfortunately he is now on the bottom of the QT nearly completely covered in brown. Feel bad for him, its incredible how fast this stuff took over him.

 

[shaka]

Sorry about your CBB. I'm also sorry that I have no good advice to give ( I've never had one and I know they're pretty delicate), but I just want to comment on how irresponsible the pet store was by selling it to you. If the fish was not looking in the best of health why did they sell it? ... especially if the store is somewhat reputable.

 

[smellslikeTUNA]

Sorry about your CBB. I'm also sorry that I have no good advice to give ( I've never had one and I know they're pretty delicate), but I just want to comment on how irresponsible the pet store was by selling it to you. If the fish was not looking in the best of health why did they sell it? ... especially if the store is somewhat reputable.

I know, but they are good people and in the end they are simply trying to make a dollar (or $50 in this case). They did give store credit on this fish so no complaints here.

 

[davocean]

Well, not to add insult, but responsibility lies in both the LFS and ourselves.
That is a very sensitive fish many have a hard time keeping even when we start off w/ a healthy specimen.
If I saw even a hint of discoloration, or flashing or anything I would pass on it.
Sounds like the LFS was cool about it in giving store credit, which between that and the fact you didn't QT, if your other fish weren't affected, I'd say you actually got kinda lucky.
It's a bummer you lost it, make sure to find a healthy one when you try again, and be sure to QT.

 

[shaka]

That is definitely a better way to do business by giving you a store credit. I just don't like it when a store takes your money and says "tough" when the customer needs help.

On the other hand, I do realize we share a responsibility for the care of the livestock. I'm just under the assumption that this particular fish (CBB) looked unhealthy at the LFS even though it fed. Again, I'm glad the LFS was interested in keeping a repeat customer instead of just taking their money.