Open Sore / Not Eating: Male Watanabei Angel

[fikes]

Hoping for some additional suggestions! Thanks in advance.

I received a male Watanabei angelfish on Friday, March 8th (~9 days ago). He is in a standalone QT tank. I've been unsuccessful in tempting him to eat. I've tried brine (frozen, live), mysis, nori, live rock w/ sponge growth, amphipods (from my refugium), and half clams.

He is swimming well, but unfortunately about 5 days ago, he developed a sore/puncture on his abdomen, in a spot I would associate with venting his swim bladder. The sore has gotten progressively worse.

Two questions:
(1) Should I be actively treating the sore (e.g. antibiotics)? If so, what do people recommend for this purpose? I've done no treatment on the tank yet. Note the QT tank is connected to another tank w/ anthias received at the same time.

(2) Any suggestions or thoughts on other foods to tempt him to eat? He is way more stubborn than I am used to, and I've mostly run out of options at this point, other than continuing to try.

 

[HumbleFish]

(1) Should I be actively treating the sore (e.g. antibiotics)? If so, what do people recommend for this purpose? I've done no treatment on the tank yet. Note the QT tank is connected to another tank w/ anthias received at the same time.

I would. Infections either clear up on their own or get worse. When it gets worse, antibiotics usually becomes your best option. I suggest using Furan-2.

Is the anthias looking good & eating? If so, he should be fine - they are tough fish. But don't be surprised if he also stops eating for a day or two; antibiotics can be an appetite suppressant. Which is not what you want to hear with the angel; but what do you have to lose at this point??

(2) Any suggestions or thoughts on other foods to tempt him to eat? He is way more stubborn than I am used to, and I've mostly run out of options at this point, other than continuing to try.

I would say mussels, but if he's not eating clams then he probably won't eat mussels either. The only other thing I can think to suggest is this. Also, have you tried soaking his food in some garlic?

 

[fikes]

I would. Infections either clear up on their own or get worse. When it gets worse, antibiotics usually becomes your best option. I suggest using Furan-2.

Thanks. It is in fact looking worse, so I decided to go ahead and treat. After visiting several of them, it appears my local pet stores only carry Maracyn-2. I assume the suggestion of Furan-2 was to better cover all types of bacteria? Do you think it is worth ordering some online, and switching treatments in a few days.

Is the anthias looking good & eating? If so, he should be fine - they are tough fish. But don't be surprised if he also stops eating for a day or two; antibiotics can be an appetite suppressant. Which is not what you want to hear with the angel; but what do you have to lose at this point??

The anthias are super-healthy and have been eating well since they arrived. They are the bright spot in this otherwise stressful fish order.

I would say mussels, but if he's not eating clams then he probably won't eat mussels either. The only other thing I can think to suggest is this. Also, have you tried soaking his food in some garlic?

I indeed have been soaking in garlic. I haven't tried an angel specific food, but that is a good suggestion. I'll work on locating some here forthwith. I really appreciate all your suggestions. Have a great weekend!

 

[HumbleFish]

Thanks. It is in fact looking worse, so I decided to go ahead and treat. After visiting several of them, it appears my local pet stores only carry Maracyn-2. I assume the suggestion of Furan-2 was to better cover all types of bacteria? Do you think it is worth ordering some online, and switching treatments in a few days.

Actually, if you can get your hands on some s/w Maracyn 2, that is better in your case because it also contains Vitamin B which is an appetite stimulant. If you wanted to also treat for gram positive infections, order some Maracyn 1.