? re antibiotic to use for fish that was bitten

[jeffbrig]

Hi All,

Any recommendations as to what type of antibiotic and/or antifungal to use to treat a fish that has had a chunk bitten off of his back? And should we treat the water or use medicated food? Thanks!

--Christy (Jeffbrig's wife)

 

[artful-dodger]

I personally wouldn't medicate unless you there is some evidence of infection--especially with antibiotics. I'd make sure water quality was good, start soaking food in garlic or Vita-chem perhaps and then monitor the injured fish closely to see that it isn't being picked on and that it is eating well. If you see any signs of infection or if the fish seems distressed then I'd move to a quarantine tank for isolation and treatment. An otherwise healthy fish in a healthy environment should be able to heal from an injury on its own.

 

[ufchristyb]

The fridmani was in a QT tank with the other fish. Now he is in a hospital bucket with a heater and an airstone. I didn't want to risk him being picked on again. There is probably close to 1/6 of his body mass missing. He is a tiny little guy and this is a big bite. Parts of it already look pink/red, other less deep areas look white. I am worried that if an infection does set it in, it will kill him too quickly for me to treat him. Do you still think I should leave him be?

--Christy

 

[artful-dodger]

If you have him isolated then medicating won't hurt. Go for wide spectrum antibiotics (MaracynI and II, for instance) Want to get both gram positive and gram negative. Be careful on dosage in the bucket. I haven't used any anti-fungal treatments for Marine fish, so I can't comment on that.

I'm a little surprised that there haven't been other responses. Have you posted in the Fish Disease and Treatment forum as well?

 

[jeffbrig]

Yup, we posted when it first happened - lots of views, but no responses. Right now the little guy appears to be doing okay. He is hanging in a pvc fitting at the bottom of the bucket. His back is not looking any worse. I have Maracyn2 on standby if need be, but several people have told us to wait and see, so that's what we are going to do.

Thanks for your help.

--Christy (and Jeff)