Tail Rot?

[KnightlyBuzz]

3 fish walk into a 40 gallon breeder, 2 clowns and a royal gramma. I’ve had them on Fenbendazole for the past 2 weeks, due to white stringy poop, and I have no idea how I missed it until today but the tail on one of the clowns looks like it’s been nipped or tail rot (see pics). If tail rot I was planning on QT tank with trifecta (furan2, metro and kanaplex). If nipping, not sure what to do, same thing? (QT & trifecta). I’m a rookie, so I need some help determining if it’s tail rot. He’s the biggest of the 3 fish, and he will “block” the royal gramma sometimes at feeding time, and the gramma will bite at him, but if he was eating parts of his tail you’d think he’d leave the gramma alone but he still “blocks” him, and never bites back. He actually kind of “shakes” while trying to get sideways and close to the gramma (what I call blocking him).

Sorry so long a message, thanks in advance. I don’t want to put him in QT unless I have to, so thought I’d ask.

 

[Reefer5640]

I usually notice discoloration with tail/fin rot. Can you see any lighter areas or discoloring on the tail or other fins

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

I don’t. Does it matter that his dorsal fin is not extended?

 

[Reefer5640]

It could imply she’s clamping her fins. Does she seem to be clamping her pectoral fins too? It implies stress I would through her in QT

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

I don’t think so, just the dorsal. Here’s a few clips of the “blocking”.

Should I medicate in QT so the tail will heal? Or just QT for stress relief, no meds?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Reefer5640]

Vids didn’t work but from what you described that’s how clowns show dominance as well as a sign of aggression to get away. You’ll see them do it with each other and locking jaws while establishing sexes. If you’re going to QT I’d use meds

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

Ok, will do. Thanks a bunch!