Wrasse tail seems paralyized

[devildog12210]

I have had my melanurus wrasse for about 9 months. He has been an amazing member of my community.

Tonight I noticed his back 1/3 of his body is several shades darker than front portion. He also seems to have zero control over his tail. His front fins work fine but without his tail he seems to have trouble maneuvering.

He ate fine tonight and I don't have any aggression issues that I am aware of. Any thoughts as to what is causing this and if it is treatable?

ETA I searched and I found multiple people that have had the same issue. No one had any real answers.

 

[HiImSean]

I had the same problem with a flasher wrasse, unfortunately it passed after a few days. I put it in QT and tried medicating but it was too late for him.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Most likely a spinal injury, either by jumping and hitting something hard such as a glass canopy or by getting startled and swimming quickly and hitting a rock or side of the aquarium. Fish can make a complete recovery.

 

[evolved]

Most likely a spinal injury, either by jumping and hitting something hard such as a glass canopy or by getting startled and swimming quickly and hitting a rock or side of the aquarium. Fish can make a complete recovery.

Agree, but "can" is the operative word there - they might not as well. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do besides wait, keep stress low, and feed sufficiently.

 

[devildog12210]

He is still eating but hasn't really made any improvements. His back 1/3 of his body still has a darker color to it.

Its been 5 days since I first noticed it so I am still hopeful at this point.

 

[ThRoewer]

I had that with some fish and it never ended well. The discoloration is the most troublesome. It could just be that he has no longer control over pigmentation. But it could also be a sign of diminished blood flow, infection or beginning necrosis.

 

[devildog12210]

Well the last week has been very positive. The coloration is slowly starting to come back. He is regaining function of his tail and is moving around the tank far better than the previous weeks. He has never quit eating. I just hope this continues to improve over the coming weeks.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

That's good to hear. Keep the thread posted!