Sick dusky wrasse

[alicia24]

I just recieved this wrasse 3 days ago. He is in qt. I havent started meds yet as he hasnt eatten. Also in the tank is a watchman goby and orange shoulder tang. He is breathing heavy and his gills appear to be red behind his fins. Hopefully that's clear in the video. He is also laying on the botton of the tank a lot. What could this be and what medication should I start with? I have copper power, prazi, and metroplex. Thank you!!

 

[W31Olds]

Sorry, I can't view your Video but can hear the audio portion.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just recieved this wrasse 3 days ago. He is in qt. I havent started meds yet as he hasnt eatten. Also in the tank is a watchman goby and orange shoulder tang. He is breathing heavy and his gills appear to be red behind his fins. Hopefully that's clear in the video. He is also laying on the botton of the tank a lot. What could this be and what medication should I start with? I have copper power, prazi, and metroplex. Thank you!!

I can’t view video on my phone as you tube is best. Description with heavy breathing may be flukes and would be treatable with Prazipro but first let’s view it video and please use bright white lighting,, no blue lights

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I just recieved this wrasse 3 days ago. He is in qt. I havent started meds yet as he hasnt eatten. Also in the tank is a watchman goby and orange shoulder tang. He is breathing heavy and his gills appear to be red behind his fins. Hopefully that's clear in the video. He is also laying on the botton of the tank a lot. What could this be and what medication should I start with? I have copper power, prazi, and metroplex. Thank you!!

I could view the video.

What I see is that the wrasse has handling damage on its pectoral fins and the lower end of its caudal fin, from rubbing on hard surfaces during transport. It is also breathing too fast.

Do you know what species it is? It looks like a male Dusky wrasse, Halichoeres marginatus, but duller in color than I would expect. If it is a Halichoeres, it may need a good sand bed to sleep in at night (that can be an issue in typical quarantine set-ups - some people offer a tray of non-calcium sand).

The main issue is probably the rapid breathing. That may be from shipping stress (ammonia) but it could also be gill parasites. Water quality issues can also cause this, but if the other two fish are feeding well, and you've tested the water, than I'd rule that out.

 

[alicia24]

I could view the video.

What I see is that the wrasse has handling damage on its pectoral fins and the lower end of its caudal fin, from rubbing on hard surfaces during transport. It is also breathing too fast.

Do you know what species it is? It looks like a male Dusky wrasse, Halichoeres marginatus, but duller in color than I would expect. If it is a Halichoeres, it may need a good sand bed to sleep in at night (that can be an issue in typical quarantine set-ups - some people offer a tray of non-calcium sand).

The main issue is probably the rapid breathing. That may be from shipping stress (ammonia) but it could also be gill parasites. Water quality issues can also cause this, but if the other two fish are feeding well, and you've tested the water, than I'd rule that

Yes it is a Halichoeres marginitus. What is the treatment for gill parasites? Ammonia is reading at 0.22 with hannah. My qt was empty for a few months but with 3 fish in there for 3 days I think it'd be higher if the tank wasn't still cycled. The other fish seem completely fine. Sg & ph are normal. thank you!​

 

[alicia24]

Yes it is a Halichoeres marginitus. What is the treatment for gill parasites? Ammonia is reading at 0.22 with hannah. My qt was empty for a few months but with 3 fish in there for 3 days I think it'd be higher if the tank wasn't still cycled. The other fish seem completely fine. Sg & ph are normal. thank you!​

There is a small container with sand in there. It does burry at night in the sand

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Yes it is a Halichoeres marginitus. What is the treatment for gill parasites? Ammonia is reading at 0.22 with hannah. My qt was empty for a few months but with 3 fish in there for 3 days I think it'd be higher if the tank wasn't still cycled. The other fish seem completely fine. Sg & ph are normal. thank you!​

Well, with other issues being ruled out, then gill parasites would be the differential diagnosis. The two common gill parasites would be Amyloodinium (velvet) or flukes. Trouble is, these have two different treatments. I wish the fish was feeding, then the easy answer would be to start coppersafe at 2.25 ppm, followed by praziquantel for flukes (because those kill much slower than velvet does and can be dealt with later.

With the wrasse not eating, there could also be a bacterial issue with its gills from shipping/handling issues.....

Sorry - I don't have a clear course of action for you here!

 

[alicia24]

Well, with other issues being ruled out, then gill parasites would be the differential diagnosis. The two common gill parasites would be Amyloodinium (velvet) or flukes. Trouble is, these have two different treatments. I wish the fish was feeding, then the easy answer would be to start coppersafe at 2.25 ppm, followed by praziquantel for flukes (because those kill much slower than velvet does and can be dealt with later.

With the wrasse not eating, there could also be a bacterial issue with its gills from shipping/handling issues.....

Sorry - I don't have a clear course of action for you here!

It's ok! I appreciate your input as always!!