Weird protrusion on clown kife.

[Goose3984]

Hey I have a 6in clown knife, I have had him for about 6 months now he shares a 75 gal tank with a Oscar and electric catfish, they have been tank mates since day one. I feed beef heart some l rosy red's krill. last night after feeding, I hand feed everybody, the clown had a weird protrusion coming from the base of his gills, I didn't see any fighting going on, however they have from time to time but usually only scrapes. I have lots of hiding spots and live plants. I thought he might have over eaten so I ignored it. Its still here 24hrs later and he wont eat, he is swimming I added Nova Auqa, ever heard of this? I can try to get a picture. It appears to be part of him not a parasite, at least not one I have ever seen, also it appeared instantly. I am very concerned about him any help you can offer would be great Thank you.

[troy tucker]

A picture would help.

[mistahoo]

A picture would help.

+1

[Goose3984]

WP_20121206_005.jpgWP_20121206_009.jpgWP_20121206_011.jpgWP_20121206_014.jpgWP_20121206_017.jpg This is about as good as I can get he is a shy guy. he attempted to eat but couldn't, im really worried this is a major injury..

[NDsuperduty]

Weird protrusion on clown kife.

No clue what disease it would be but based on the pics he doesn't look very healthy at all. But could just be from the bad pics

[mistahoo]

Whoa! You're talkin about that red thing under it's jaw? That looks nasty!

[Goose3984]

DSC03412.jpg Try this

[ScorpiosWife]

Oh my goodness, that looks nasty. I hope you figure out what happened. :/

[mistahoo]

I wouldn't even think that would be normal. No clue what that is though.

[eklikewhoa]

Looks like one of the other fish got a hold of his juggler

[Goose3984]

Looks like one of the other fish got a hold of his juggler

unfortunately I think your right....the question is what to do..i don't want to let him starve a slow death anyone think he can pull through?

[barrettsline]

Weird protrusion on clown kife.

You need to quarantine him by himself in a hospital tank for a while. Water changes an meds daily. Light feedings every other day.

[troy tucker]

anyone think he can pull through?

Not in that tank. +1 on the Hospital tank...

[Goose3984]

I was wondering if I should do that, I was worried I might hurt in in the process or stress him even more. Thanks by the way for all the help. Do you guys think I should keep the sick tank at the same temp? i keep my tank at 82. As far as medicating, Melafix? actual tetracycline medication?

[mnemenoi]

Melafix and tetracycline certainly won't hurt and maintaining the temp would be less stressful. Judging by the pictures I'd wager it was either an attack (I can clearly see signs of either attacks or abrasions along his sides) or possibly a ripped gill (feeding him prey that are to large or it trying to feed on another tankmate he was unable to swallow). Both cases would tell me it was a tankmate issue. Not sure what else is in the tank, but islation is the best course. Fish can heal gill injuries, but it is a slow process and certainly permanant in nature.