What's on my Rabbitfish?!
- Thread starter gregrocks79
- Start date
Does it look more like a growth protruding out or skin peeling off? Looks sorta like a bacteria infection to me... but being it's around the face also makes me think HLLE.
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
Looks more like it's peeling off. I see a tiny piece flapping around w the current
Is this a new fish? Any recent additions to the tank? Skin peeling is also a possible symptom of Brooklynella (mostly seen in clowns).
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
Yup, added him yesterday
I'm assuming the fish looked perfectly fine when you added him? And this is a recent development? If so, you can eliminate HLLE (it wouldn't happen overnight). That leaves Brook or something bacterial. My "best guess" is the latter. Can you QT if this gets worse (and treat with antibiotics)? If not, your treatment options are limited - basically, step up WCs and soak his food in vitamin supplements; and hope his natural immune system can fight it off.
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
Ok thanks. Ya he was fine when added. He definitely looked stressed. Don't have a QT yet but I did just add on a uv sterilizer. Ill pick up an air stone tomorrow for the QT bucket and treat accordingly. Any recommendations on what to use?
I would use Furan-2 if you can find it. If not, Maracyn Plus or erythromycin. But I think you are going to need more than a bucket. Treating with antibiotics isn't a quick fix.
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
Gotcha! Thanks for the feedback
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
He didn't make it through the night 
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Sorry you lost him. It sounds like he wasn't in a QT, if that's the case, you could easily be looking at something very contagious (like brooklynella), so watch other fish closely. The quick death really points to brooklynella, along with the peeling skin.
I considered Brook as a possibility when advising him, but figured it should have spread further than just on the face. Gram negative bacterial infections are nothing like gram positive. They are quick killers and very difficult to treat.
gregrocks79
Less talk, more rock!
Ya it only was in his face. No other fish seen to have anything in them at all. Ill keep an eye out. Thanks everyone
