Chromis with sore

[JMM744]

did fresh water dip as recommended by lfs yesterday but today it's bigger and almost lost the fish today in fresh water dip. Only able to treat for a minute before he stopped breathing. Got him out and he is still kicking. Thought this might be from the salinity adjustment but am not sure. Got a good picture when I had him out for transfer. He is in TTM with two other fish, clown and green chromis.

 

[melypr1985]

That looks to be uronema. They are prone to it.

Uronema marinum:

Symptoms - These are the red sores often seen on chromis damsels. The disease seems mostly confined to damsels and clownfish, but I have seen some exceptions to that.

Treatment options - This is a very difficult disease to treat. Possible treatment options include: Metronidazole (ex. Seachem MetroPlex), acriflavine (ex. Acriflavine-MS), Chloroquine phosphate and copper. The problem is the fish can never be returned to the infected tank from which it came. Uronema is a “free living” parasite which does not require a fish host. So, going fallow will not eradicate it. Most fish seem protected from it via their natural immune system; but for some reason, chromis and some other fish are not always afforded this protection. Once a tank has Uronema, it must be assumed that the disease can survive in there almost indefinitely.

Formalin bath or freshwater dip may provide temporary relief for Uronema.

Here's the link for pictures and more info: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/uronema-marinum.247940/

 

[JMM744]

I have either cuprimine or rally on hand. The fish is with others so I take it I treat it separate . It's in TTM right now so can it go into the quarantine tank after treatment? Also, treat just this fish or all three. They went through 3 days with prozipro ending today. Still 3 days on the fourth transfer with prozipro. Thanks for the response as it confirmed what I feared. I will assume the fresh water dips are of no value.

 

[melypr1985]

I have either cuprimine or rally on hand. The fish is with others so I take it I treat it separate . It's in TTM right now so can it go into the quarantine tank after treatment? Also, treat just this fish or all three. They went through 3 days with prozipro ending today. Still 3 days on the fourth transfer with prozipro. Thanks for the response as it confirmed what I feared. I will assume the fresh water dips are of no value.

Copper can help some so that would be the best bet. You'll want to treat them all. I would do it in the sterile tank for the next transfer. clean the current one out and let dry like normal. If you can get metroplex I would do that as well. The freshwater dips can buy you some time, but it needs treatment to start quickly. that sore looks advanced.

 

[JMM744]

I will see what petco carries tomorrow. I will treat them all in the current tank asap. . I hesitate to try the fresh water again as it really took it out of the fish today. The spot doubled in one day plus the lighter spots on the rear side are new. I appreciate the advise and will get on it . Thank you very much.
Jim

 

[melypr1985]

I will treat them all in the current tank asap

If you can, put them in the next tank for the transfer. In other words, do the transfer tonight and start bringing up the copper level.

 

[JMM744]

Gotcha. So metroplex is in addition to the copper. They just went in the new / next tank this afternoon so will start dose yet tonight. I need a copper test kit yet. Will get on it right away. Thanks again.

 

[Humblefish]

I have either cuprimine or rally on hand.

If you have Ruby Reef Rally on hand that contains acriflavine. Dose that into the tank transfer aquarium ASAP to provide temporary relief. Next transfer use metronidazole in the water and also food soak it just in case the fish is infected internally. Transfer after that, the fish should be clear. :)

 

[JMM744]

If you have Ruby Reef Rally on hand that contains acriflavine. Dose that into the tank transfer aquarium ASAP to provide temporary relief. Next transfer use metronidazole in the water and also food soak it just in case the fish is infected internally. Transfer after that, the fish should be clear. :)

Unfortunately the fish didn't survive. Got back into town late morning and he was dead. I will continue the treatment for the remaining two fish. Thanks for all the help, it is much appreciated.
Jim