Sleeper Goby Has Deep Wounds On His Face.

[sezra]

So as the topic says, my sleeper goby has developed deep wounds on its either side of its face. There's nothing in the tank that would be attacking it - He's at least 10 inches long and the only other fish in the tank are 2 silver sharks, and a common pleco. these wounds are getting worse and im worried he might die. Here are a few pictures, I apologise for for the poor quality.

This is what he looked like before the wounds.

His left side.

His right side.

I appreciate any help on what might be causing this, and how to cure/prevent it. Thanks

 

[Hokum]

I'm guessing a serious bacterial infection. if in the us i'd use antibiotics if in the uk I'd try jbl extol fluid but treat in a medication tank as they both will kill your filter.

 

[sezra]

I'm guessing a serious bacterial infection. if in the us is use antibiotics if in the uk I'd try jbl extol fluid but treat in a medication tank as they both will kill your filter.

Hmm, i'll look into that, the thing is, i dont have a big enough tank to treat the goby in. If it were a serious bacterial infection, would the other fish not show similar signs? If it helps at all, he is still eating fine and there has been no increase/decrease in how active he is.

 

[WILDER]

That's pretty bad.
is the flesh rotting away fast.

Any white edges around the wound as hard to tell in pic.

He really needs isolating and using a bacterial med.
I would dab the wound in methylene blue and then use a bacterial med.

Does he flick and rub like something irratating him.

Need to look at tank size and water stats please.

 

[sezra]

That's pretty bad.
is the flesh rotting away fast.

Any white edges around the wound as hard to tell in pic.

He really needs isolating and using a bacterial med.
I would dab the wound in methylene blue and then use a bacterial med.

Does he flick and rub like something irratating him.

Need to look at tank size and water stats please.

There are no white edges around the wounds, and he doesnt act as though its bothering him. I've not seen him rubbing it - he is acting as he alwasy has done, kind of mellow until food is about then he perks up.

 

[Hokum]

I would still treat with a strong anti-bacterial agent. This is going to be a major vector for attack.

 

[sezra]

I would still treat with a strong anti-bacterial agent. This is going to be a major vector for attack.

Ive done the only thing i could, I've asked my local fish store to take him and treat him. Cost me an arm and a
leg, but its worth it if he gets better.

 

[WILDER]

Ok.
That sounds good to me.
Let us all know how he gets on if you don't mind.

 

[sezra]

Ok.
That sounds good to me.
Let us all know how he gets on if you don't mind.

I'll keep you all posted

 

[WILDER]

Thanks.
Good Luck.

 

[sezra]

just a quick update. I've recived the goby back from the store as they think its well enough now for me to care for it. Im treating it with melafix and the wounds have definatly gotten better, and he is looking happy again

 

[Hokum]

Glad to know, I did some more reading and wondered if it could be Freshwater Head and Lateral Line Erosion?

 

[sezra]

Glad to know, I did some more reading and wondered if it could be Freshwater Head and Lateral Line Erosion?

Funny you should say that, when I asked the guy at the LFS, he said it was a bacterial problem and recomened that I do a water change (which I did) But it does look like the early stages of Freshwater Head and Lateral Line Erosion. As I said, he looks to be doing well on melafix so fingers crossed he's guna make a full recovery.

 

[WILDER]

Hole in the head starts of as pitting in the head or lateral line region. Or pimples on the head.

Does he have any pin holes in his head region, or lateral line.