sick fish

[Lytehouse]

Kept a lot of corals, not many fish--- so need some info.

In each of the frag tanks I keep a yellow coris wrasse and a small scopas tang. I cut pumps and feed them several times a week, mysis &/or green seaweed. They all have always eaten whatever I have put in the tank.

I've noticed, last couple days, one of the tangs has become skinny and frail.

Could use some input as to possible problems.

 

[kender]

It sounds like a gut parasite that tangs are somewhat use to getting. I can't remember the exact name but it is the marine equivalent to a tapeworm for fish. Typical treatment is QT and a worm treatment like praziquantel if it is indeed that. The question is does he seem to eat fine, maybe even fatten up a little and then shrink back down to "skin and bones" after a day. If thats the case then more then likely this is the culprit. Just my two cents.

 

[Lytehouse]

Thanks
He was eating as recently as the weekend
Did not eat last night
Hanging on bottom
I've heard of prazi. Where is it available

 

[mskohl]

Have you had the fish for a long time, Lynn? I wouldn't think that a worm would just suddenly start affecting a fish one day after you've had him for several months. But, admittedly, I don't know a lot about parasitic worms.

If the fish has stopped eating, I wouldn't be opposed to trying it. Can you tempt him with mysis?

 

[Lytehouse]

Yep, 3 or 4 months
Mysis is a tank staple
He usually runs around the tank chasing it
Just not last night

 

[kender]

Typically if its the worm infection I was thinking of the fish will still eat; they just fail to get nutrition from the food because the worm is absorbing it all thus the fattening up and thinning out routine that develops. Now if the fish has stopped eating all together then there might be something totally different going on. Don't take my knowledge just yet, get a little more feedback first. ;-) If you do try prazi, its a cat de-wormer sold over the counter at most vet type stores like pet vet or the like. I think I even have some lying around you can have if you want. Just let me know.

 

[Lytehouse]

 

[Lytehouse]

Fish no longer sick
I just don't understand what happened to him,
Or if it is safe to re stock the tank in the near future

 

[blakers82]

Good work, Dr. Lynn!