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Today I noticed that one of my black phantoms is acting lethargic and sticking to the top of the back left corner of the tank. He's having trouble swimming, for example he struggled when going under the filter, which never happens. I netted him against the tank for a closer look, and what I saw surprised me, it looks like his chin was bitten off. If he were bigger I would be able look right down his throat...any ideas what this could be?
In the mean time, I set up a 5 gallon hospital tank, I filled it up with water from the main tank (needed a water change anyway ) and added a seeded sponge/corner filter that I always keep *just in case* in my main tank. I also threw in minimal decor. Was this a good idea?
All of the other tank mates are fine. (see sig)
I was thinking about running up to my LPS to get some melafix, think that would help?
I dont have any test kits, and I dont think my LPS does water tests so I might have a hard time getting numbers, but will do my best.
Thanks for help in advance, I haven't lost a fish in awhile and dont want it to happen.

EDIT- I cant spell...lol

[span class="edited"][Edited by ferretfanatic 2004-07-18 15:10][/span]

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

Update...hes lying on his side on the bottom of the tank and breathing heavily...I'm afraid its too late, but any ideas? Is it a fungus? Is there anything I should use to treat the main tank, even though there are no fish with symptoms?

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

"Bitten off" may be a bit drastic unless you have some sort of giant attack fish in the tank.

Most likely mouth fungus has eroded his jaw, something you would have noticed if you were aware of the malady.

Too late to take action now, the fish will not survive. Watch your remaining fish for any white growths around the mouth area.

And, just in case you have a cannibal bully in the tank, observe for a few days.

--garyroland.



[span class="edited"][Edited by garyroland 2004-07-18 19:23][/span]

-Thanks Gary
Well, the only possible bully fish would be an albino tiger barb.
None of the other fish show symptoms, but if they do, is it treatable?

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

Hmmm well, I'm sure you know that tiger barbs are schooling and shold be kept in groups of 6 or more. While I'm sure the one loner didn't attack the tetra, I wouldn't have been surprised if he had added plenty of stress picking on a weaker fish.

Since it's possible that it had fungus, and is possible that the others may start showing symptoms you might want to pick up Furan-2, Active ingredients: Nitrofurazone, furazolidone, and methylene blue trihydrate. Or Jungle labs fungus clear tank buddies: Nitrofurazone fruazolidone, potassium dichromate. I've used the jugle labs fungus clear when dealing with a bit of fin rot. From what I understand the two furans that are active ingredients in both are effective against a number of bacterial problems.

Like garyroland said, I'd keep a very close eye on the tank. Good luck .

^_^

Just be aware of any white growth, a mouth fungus, on any of the other fish...

We don't really want to dose anything if no indications are evident.

"Furanase" has been effective for mouth fungus if required.

--garyroland.

Thanks Babel and Gary...the little guy did pass on, but it was weird b/c the jaw didnt seem to be eroding away, it was just, gone. I know tiger barbs are supposed to be kept in schools, he was kind of a rescued fish, I wouldn't buy a single tiger barb. Now I seem to be having another problem with the tetras/tiger barb thought...I posted a new thread in the Freshwater forum. Thanks for your help, and I'll keep a close eye out for more symptoms on the other guys.

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish