Pair of Hawaiian Flame Wrasses

[Hodori]

I purchased a pair of Hawaiian Flame Wrasses from L.A., and I received them on Wednesday May 28, 2008. As usual L.A. did an amazing job packing them. After acclimation and adding to my tank, I noticed that the male wrasse had some white covering one of the gills. He showed no signs of discomfort in swimming, and was eating fine, so I had just left him alone.

Last night I was looking at the male, and noticed that that area had turned more gap like... I was wondering if anyone here had seen anything like this before and what I can do to heal him?

thanks!

heres some pics.. what is it?

and a random FTS

 

[dfs/la2]

Hodori,

Thank you for your inquiry. We apologize for the troubles you are experiencing with your male Hawaiian Flame Wrasse. This sounds like a parasitic infection with a secondary bacterial infection. First, you need to get rid of the parasites. We recommend placing all of your fish in a quarantine tank and treat using hypo salinity. A specific gravity between 1.010 - 1.015 would be sufficient.

You can also try a freshwater or Formalin Dip to remove the parasites. If choosing a Formalin Dip, be sure to vigorously aerate the water as this can diminish oxygen levels. We suggest checking out “The Marine Fish - Health & Feeding Handbook â€"œ The Essential Guide To Keeping Saltwater Species Alive and Thriving” by Bob Goemans and Lance Ichinotsubo.

To treat the bacterial infection, we suggest Triple Sulfa by API. This is a broad spectrum antibiotic which controls a wide variety of pathogenic bacterial fish infections, such as mouth fungus, fin and tail rot, body slime and eye cloud, bacterial gill disease, and hemorrhagic septicemia. Dose according to manufacturer instructions.

Please PM us with your order information and we will be happy to issue credit for this fish.

Chris C.
Live Aquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith