Leopard Wrasse Sick?

[55reeforlando]

Over the past few days when I looked at my tank I didnt see the leopard wrasse out cruising around the rocks. I did find him buried in the sand where they like to sleep. Yesterday I saw him at the bottom of the tank (alive) just kinda hanging out in the sand almost like a hawkfish would perch. Upon further inspection of the leopard wrasse I noticed that the colors were not as vibrant as they usually are and the fish also looked like it had lost some weight. Therefore I began to feed the fish in the tank to see if the leopard wrasse would eat. Normally he would be at the top feasting on the brine/mysis shrimp. However yesterday when I fed he was more reserved and ate hardly anything compared to the normal eating habits. I am worried that something may be wrong with him because he is not eating properly, has lost significant weight, and the colors are not as vibrant. Is there any known diseases that commonly affect the fish? He has been living in my tank for over 6 months. Just recently I also added a tri-color wrasse (i believe the scientific name to be psuedocheilinus cirenthesus (dont know if that is the proper spelling)). Could this wrasse have caused some disruption to the leopard wrasse? Originally they seemed to be getting along fine and both were eating fine. Someone told me that the leopard wrasse could have a parasite? I love the leopard wrasse and would like to help him out (dont like things dying in my tank) ANY help/comments/suggestions are GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks in advance.

 

[leebca]

Was the Tri-Color Wrasse quarantined before you added it?

A fish in the aquarium environment looses many of its immunities it has developed in the wild. If we do our tanks properly, there isn't any disease in our display tanks.

After a while, the immune defenses of the fish begin to fade. The introduction of a new fish sometimes brings a 'fresh' or 'old' disease organism with it and the established fish(es) can't handle it. It's another reason to put all fish through a quarantine process.

Being lethargic, off-color, and off its normal feed are initial symptoms of a problem, but these symptoms match so many different diseases (and even water quality problems) on the outset that it can't be diagnosed that easily at this point in time, IMHO.

Keep a close eye on the fish for any signs that might make a more definitive diagnosis. Do at least the following: soak foods in vitamins and fat additives (alternatively) before feeding them, AND include beta glucan in its food.

If you're worried and want to do something more, move it to an established hospital tank where it will be alone and ready for immediate treatment.

You should have on hand: antibiotics, Clout, Cupramine (my fav copper treatment), Copper test kit (if you choose Cupramine, then buy the Seachem copper test kit), a refractometer, and Praziquantel (droncit).

Post a photo here if and when the condition show any additional symptom(s). Good luck! :rollface:

 

[55reeforlando]

Lee-
Thanks for all that info. Only problem is I am not going to be able to get the Leopard out of the tank. He is way too fast and as soon as he sees the net all the fish dart into the rocks. Is there anything I can do for him in the tank? Where do I get some of the things you mentioned such as antibiotics, clout, droncit? I have never even heard of the last two. Thanks.

 

[leebca]

Not having even a 'close' diagnosis, I'm afraid there's not much you can do. And then, the things you can treat the fish with cannot be used in the display tank.

Clout and other meds are available from various mail-order aquarium supply sources and you can ask your local LFS if they would get you some.

Droncit is a brand name for Praziquantel. You can buy Praziquantel from fish pharmaceutical companies, or you can buy one of the products that contains this chemical. Look for product names that are called "Prazi[something]" for this compound. Also check out this thread for more info on de-worming fish:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=644238

 

[55reeforlando]

bump