Sunburst Anthias with lock jaw?

[Andrew Schubert]

I recently purchased (2 weeks ago) 5 pre quarantine Anthias. 4 of the 5 swim together and look normal. But the 5th hides out by himself and always has his mouth wide open. I read this is common with Anthias, but wondering if it could be something else as well.
It’s hard to tell, but I think there may also be some small “bulge” near his gill as well. He hides in the hardest place of my tank to see, so difficult to get a good view of him.

 

[blaxsun]

#fishmedic

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've not seen this in anthias, but I have seen it in other serranids. I'm not sure of the cause - some people say it is diet related, but I think it is mechanical injury.

There is a subtle difference though - between a fish with lockjaw and one whose mouth is mostly open due to rapid breathing. If you post a video, it might help me tell.

Jay

 

[Andrew Schubert]

I've not seen this in anthias, but I have seen it in other serranids. I'm not sure of the cause - some people say it is diet related, but I think it is mechanical injury.

There is a subtle difference though - between a fish with lockjaw and one whose mouth is mostly open due to rapid breathing. If you post a video, it might help me tell.

Jay

He’s hiding up by the aquarium now. Was able to get a real good shot. There is def something wrong with his one side.

 

[Andrew Schubert]

He’s hiding up by the aquarium now. Was able to get a real good shot. There is def something wrong with his one side.

Here is a photo of the video doesn’t work

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

In the video, it sure looks like mechanical damage. I think another fish (one of the other anthias) grabbed it at that location and tore it up.

Isolating it would be the first thing to do - maybe in a hanging acclimation box?

Jay

 

[Andrew Schubert]

In the video, it sure looks like mechanical damage. I think another fish (one of the other anthias) grabbed it at that location and tore it up.

Isolating it would be the first thing to do - maybe in a hanging acclimation box?

Jay

Yep…already got him out. Gave him a quick fresh dip and didn’t see any signs of flukes. Currently in QT with Metro and Kanaplex.

 

[Weeb]

I agree. The lock-jaw malady is a mechanical thing. The bones of the mouth are kinda out of sync, much like a dislocated shoulder in humans. I've never seen it 'cured.' Although, when I worked with Dr. Edward J. Noga, he did actually take such a fish and in 'surgery' get the jaws to realign.

 

[Andrew Schubert]

I agree. The lock-jaw malady is a mechanical thing. The bones of the mouth are kinda out of sync, much like a dislocated shoulder in humans. I've never seen it 'cured.' Although, when I worked with Edward J. Noga, he did actually take such a fish and in 'surgery' get the jaws to realign.

lol…I want to call my local vet if they can perform surgery just to see their reaction :-).
If your right, I might be offering my local club a free sunburst…I’m picky and it’ll drive me nuts after a defect fish.

 

[Weeb]

So long as the DVM is a fish specialist! :smiling-face-with-halo: