Orbic cardinal - stroke? velvet?

[bgrush]

Hi all. I've had an Orbic Cardinal for almost 1 month and it has been healthy and vibrant until 2 days ago. It is currently looking lethargic and hanging out in an upper corner of my tank where there is less water turbulence from my powerjets. For lack of a better word, it appears like it's had a stroke "“ it's rear tail is not open and fanned out like my Pajama Cardinal, it's not eating (brine shrimp) and it's movements appear slow and almost strained. I just noticed a bit of a velvety/slick stuff on 1 of its sides (see picture). Otherwise the eyes and other fins appear clean and normal.

What are your thoughts on what the fish may be experiencing and how I can help fix it. Thanks!

 

[HumbleFish]

Do you have any stinging corals or anemones it could have brushed up against?

Disease is also a real possibility. Looks like it could have a bacterial infection, but probably something else going on as well.

Can you QT this fish? No matter what, the fish really needs to come out of your DT for the time being.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Agree with Humblefish. Definitely looks like a bacterial infection. This fish needs to go into a QT. Have you added anything to the tank since the cardinal? Is there excess mucus coming off the fish?