Jojo Chinto Is Sick :(

[Canadian Ginger]

I'm not sure what to do for JoJo Chinto right now. It's very clear he's sick, but I'm unable to determine whether it's finrot or something fungal. I noticed some irregularities when he stopped eating (something I noticed when I saw all the food leftover, something he's never done). I also saw less of him, he spent all kinds of time in his little cave. Occasionally when I am in my room and sitting there I'd see him swim out for a minute or two, but tonight was the first chance I really got a close up look of him.

His fins are clamped and all torn (and I mean all his fins!). The ends are a dark red (where they are deteriorating) but there is also white fungal looking matter where the damage stops. It's almost as if the white stuff is moving up his fins and leaving the damage. There are a few scales missing on his body, but I think that is from him bashing himself around. When I first saw him, he was literally smashing himself into the tank and rubbing all over. Then after a bit he just let himself since to the bottom of the tank and didn't move.

I've taken him his tank (a filtered five gallon) and moved him into an half gallon. When he is in the five gallon it's too hard to catch site of him, and he is easily smashing himself into his decorations. I also have a much harder time doing water changes with the five gallon (though with the filter not many are needed). I'm assuming I'll need to do some very regular water changes to try and keep his water bacteria free if it's finrot. However, I'm concerned it may be something more on the fungal side.

I've already added some aquarium salt, and I also added some bettafix (it's all I've got on hand). I'm going to run to the store tomorrow, but I'm not sure what I should buy. Any suggestions would be excellent, I'll try and get some decent pictures of him up if the situation gets worse.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Could be fin rot or ammonia burns.

What were your stats in the bigger tank?

Also you'll need to change the water daily or every other day in a tiny container.

 

[BethK]

the dark red would be septicemia and would lead to finrot.

Aquarium or epsom salt?

daily water changes are a must, a good 50% per day

 

[loraxchick]

check the stats in the big tank as stated. white is generally NOT ammonia burns. they normally appear as black/dark edging to the fins (Although some bacterial infections are also black edging).
the move and some aquarium salt was a good move. keep the water very clean in the hospital tank. two waterchanges daily if you are able-one everyday for certain. also make sure the temp stays relatively stable(dont keep it in the sun or near a lamp).
see if clean water will sort his fin troubles.
you said he was scratching in the tank floor. was he doing this a lot? could be a good clue as to what is wrong.
do you see any whit fuzz or fluff (presumably what you see as a fungal issue) on the parts of the fins that are not affected (ie up near his body and not just at the damage sites?). often you will get a "fungus" on already dead tissue-the bits that are ragged and hanging off the fish. but true fungal infection are rare in the hobby.
the redness around the edges leads me to think this is a true case of bacterial finrot and will need meds for finrot. where are you located so we can give advice on which meds to use. us/uk?
any red streaking thru his body at all? if yes THEN id say septicemia. injury to the fish will naturally have redness at the injured site. i would not conclude septicemia straight out. also it does not cause finrot but the two can coincide.
if treating with meds, id treat the whole 5 gal tank. makes dosing easier and will help clear the water/tank of residual nasties. small volumes are more difficult to treat and overdose is more likely which can do more harm than good. and lower temp to around 72-74 if the heater is adjustable. warmer temps=faster bacterial life cycle. they will potentially spread more quickly.
a pic would be helpful if you are able to post one.
keep us updated.
cheers