Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've had my Coflake Beauty for almost three weeks now and it's had this weird wound on the side of its head since day one. I remember it was fine at the LFS, but as soon as I got it home I noticed the damaged gill, so I'm guessing that's when it happened - probably got caught in the net.

The wound itself is tricky to photograph, but in person it looks like a white scab on the surface of its head. I think it's just the gill trying to heal itself, to be honest.

The fish is eating normally and seems okay otherwise, so I'm just looking for some opinions. Should I just leave it be and keep an eye on it, or is there something I should be doing?

Here's the best picture I could get, but trust me, the wound looks more white and raised in real life.

Looks like it's missing a barb, probably got torn off by the net. I'd personally add some melafix to help with the healing process.

Not a fan of adding Melafix to a display tank, to be honest. It's an antibacterial treatment being introduced into an environment that relies on bacteria from the live rock, doesn't seem right to me. I think Melafix might be okay, but only outside of the main tank, in my opinion.

I had a similar experience with my female clown - she cut her chin badly while cleaning the rocks. The vet recommended antibiotics, but you have to take the fish in, of course.

I'm still not seeing any improvement with my Coflake Beauty. The wound actually looks like it's gotten bigger, which is a bit concerning. It's as if it's stuck to the side of its face, like it's just sitting on the surface. I've managed to get a picture from the back, which shows the white bit hanging off.

I'm really at a loss for what to do now. I'm not sure if I should contact the place I got it from or take it to a vet. I'm not even sure how I'd go about catching it, to be honest. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do next?

Here's a side view of the wound.


And here's a view from the back, so you can see the white bit more clearly.


For comparison, here's a picture of the good side.


I'm just hoping someone can offer some guidance on what to do next.

Took a photo to my LFS and they reckon I need to add Melafix to the display tank, but I'm not too keen on that idea. Thinking of setting up a smaller tank instead and treating it in there - would that be the best way to go about it?

I'm thinking of reaching out to wombat from Ultimate Reef, he's the fish health guru from the States. Had a great experience with him before, he recommended an antibiotic that sorted out my clown's issues. Maybe he can offer some insight into this Coflake Beauty wound, worth a shot, right?

Thanks Ben, I've posted on there now and it seems like the problem is getting worse by the day, really hope I can sort this out soon.