Flame angel not doing too good

[bob8619]

1. How old is this aquarium?

2 months or so

2. If less than six months old, what is ammonia level?

zero


3. What is SG of this aquarium? How measured?

1.025 with a refractometer

4. When was the last fish added to this aquarium?

couple weeks ago (it was this fish in question)



8. Please describe in detail, the appearance of the fish? If there is one or more pimples, are they lumpy? What color?

All fine except fin and tail deterioration. Color seems good, eyes seem clear.



9. Please describe the behavior of the fish as best you can. Is it acting reclusive? Is it always up towards the top of the aquarium? Is it avoiding light? How active is the fish?

It swims around but as of tonight it seems his left pectoral fin is useless or at least not very effective. His swimming is also jerky for lack of a better word.. Fin and tail deterioration

10. Is the fish eating? What?

He is still eating, pellets, mysis and brine shrimp.



As stated earlier, the fish has obvious fin and tail deterioration. It seems to be getting worse every day and I have been treating with melafix for almost a week as I initially thought it was fin rot caused by bacterial infection. I have since learned that 1. Mealfix isn't the greatest product and 2. Fin and tail deterioration has more than one cause.

I read about fresh water dips for parasites and I tried it with this fish for a few minutes but didn't see any evidence of parasites. I used a clear container and a flash light to watch for any flukes falling off.

0 ammonia 0 nitrites and <5 nitrates.

This picture is from the other day. View attachment 320662

 

[thax]

is something picking on it? to me it looks like something keep nipping it. or is it in a qt tank by itself?

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I agree with thax, what other tank inhabitants do you have?

 

[urbanrat84]

I'll third that - looks like it has been attacked by another fish

 

[bob8619]

Just an oc clown which is really peaceful. Other than that there is a skunk cleaner shrimp. The cleaner climbs on the flame angel often and I thought he was attacking him because sometimes the fish would dart off as if in pain but I was told it was probably just trying to help.

 

[thax]

Clowns can be evil mean sobs.I had to get rid one that would attack every thing and even my hand.

Regardless I would pull it in to a qt tank and watch it as if it loses to much tail it might not make it. Or move some rocks around.

The good news is I don't see any signs of infection yet.

When you got him did you qt him or treat him with
anything?

 

[bob8619]

No unfortunately I'm guilty of being an impatient beginner and skipped quarantine or any treatment prior to adding to the tank.

EDIT. But as an update it still has a great appetite.

 

[urbanrat84]

These kinds of situations are a gamble - I've had them turn out for the best and had them completely go to poo and the fish were attacked multiple times more seriously. Deciding whether or not to remove the fish is a gamble, with rehoming the fish being the safest option.