Is my False Perc Sick?

[ppurcell]

I noticed my ocellaris flashing this morning and scratching against the rocks. On closer inspection the fish appears to have two chunks missing from its tail fin.

I don't have much experience diagnosing or treating fish illnesses. So I was hoping someone that knows about these things might take a look at the pics (I know they stink, but they were the best of about 30 taken) to see if this is the beginning of a disease or if it is something else.

BTW, the scratching could be because the fish has a number of black spots which are healing from the RBTA that was added to the tank a couple of weeks ago.

Anyone have any advice? Should I trap it and put it in QT? If so, should I medicate it and if yes, with what?

Here are the water parameters:

Alk: 2.4
Ca: 435
SG: 1.025
pH: 8.1
Amonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Mg: 1320
Phos: <.2
Iodide: 0.06
Temp: 80

The fish has been in my display since mid-August and this is the first sign of any problems at all.

 

[Hattie B]

What other fish are in the tank? could it be possibily that one is nipping the fins?

 

[Hattie B]

also do you see any signs of ich? or have added anything new that could have brought a pathogen in?

I would not stress catching him yet and treating until you know what you are treating for. If it is something like ich your main tank already has it so until its narrowed down I would wait.

 

[ppurcell]

The only recent fish introduction was the Regal Tang, here is a list of tank mates:

3" Blue Regal Tang - added two weeks ago.
4-5" Yellow Tang
3" Fourline Wrasse
2" Spotted Mandarin

The only non-coral added recently was a haddoni carpet anemone about a week ago and an RBTA about three weeks ago. But as near as I can tell the ocellaris hasn't gone anywhere near the carpet. I think it is still trying to host in the RBTA from time to time but is getting stung.

Sorry, I got interrupted while typing this post. But to answer the question regarding ich. I currently see no signs that I have ich or any other symptoms beyond the flashing & scratching.

 

[Hattie B]

If you don't see any signs of ich other than what you posted then I would keep a close eye on the tank to see if it progresses.

Did you directly add the regal?

Torn/ripped fins are not becuase of ich unless the little guy has something wrong and is rubbing a lot and ripped his fin, IMO.

I would watch and see if it progress. If he does show signs of ich then you can treat accordingly. Of course, you know that if he does the main tank will have this parasite and possibily the other fish too if you do see this.

It could be a possibilty of harrassment? but by your picture it does not look that bad, but always watch if it gets worse or if he actually broke open the skin for bacterial infections.

 

[ppurcell]

No, all the fish (including the regal) were QT'd for 3 weeks before going into the display.

I'll keep an eye on the clown for the next few days. I haven't seen any aggression between any of the fish except the first day or two after the regal was added, the yellow picked on it for a bit then decided it was ok.

 

[Hattie B]

I think that is the best bet .

I had an old Unicorn Tang that once when i came home had a huge brusie on her side, I am assuming from hitting a rock while swimming. It healed fine.

Looking at your pics, if she contiunes to eat and is healthy the fin should be OK, its not really ripped that bad (looking at the pics) and as long as the skin in not broken or no secondary infections all should turn out well.

=)

Best,
HB

 

[ppurcell]

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it. I think I was more concerned by the scratching and darting and started looking for a "cause". Hopefully, the scratching is just from healing from the anemone and the tail isn't indicative of anything important...