Damsel missing tail

blind1993

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So I have had all the fish for approx 6minths or longer. I have 2 Xxl clarkiies. A tiny blue hippo, yellow watchman, and a blue damsel. I noticed a while ago the back half of the damsel was darker than the front. Then today I noticed his tail was pretty much gone. I'm thinking it was the emerald crab I have. Could it be something else?
 
I vaguely remember many many years ago someone had mentioned tail rot. This was associated with fresh water fish. I not sure if tail rot is associated with salt water fish.

I've had a temporary 27 gallon setup from an established tank I purchased that had a 6 line wrasp and a mandarin goby. I purchased some green emerald craps and I didn't have the problem you have. The two fish have since died, 6 line wrasp, overfeeding? and the mandarin goby died, no pods from original liverock deplenished?

I believe the only reason the mandarin goby made it through the purchase of the aquarium setup was the tank was well established when I purchased it, 4 years established.

Not sure if this is helpful. Questions? If fin rot, why just the damsel? Was the damsel stressed from some other fish? Did you change the food diet?
 
You may want to ask JennM. Another post told someone that JennM may know the answer to the spots on a fish.

You may want to post pictures if possible to help others to possibly solve the problem with your fish's tail.
 
I heard my name called ;)

Could the Clarks be picking on it? Clarks are some of the more aggressive clowns, and damsels are in the same family as clowns. Could be a turf war.

Is the wound clean? Or is the tail, or remainder of tail, ragged?

Picture would be helpful.

I doubt it's the emerald unless the damsel tends to hunker down in a hole at night - usually they don't, thus the crab wouldn't have a way to pick on the fish.

How is the damsel's behavior? Does it eat well?

I've seen fish do just fine despite losing fins/tail. If the damage isn't too severe, it may grow back, but if it was picked/chewed right off, it may not. As long as the wound site heals without infection, the fish will do fine. If there is an infection though, that is another story.

Jenn
 
JennM;762058 wrote: I heard my name called ;)

Could the Clarks be picking on it? Clarks are some of the more aggressive clowns, and damsels are in the same family as clowns. Could be a turf war.

Is the wound clean? Or is the tail, or remainder of tail, ragged?

Picture would be helpful.

I doubt it's the emerald unless the damsel tends to hunker down in a hole at night - usually they don't, thus the crab wouldn't have a way to pick on the fish.

How is the damsel's behavior? Does it eat well?

I've seen fish do just fine despite losing fins/tail. If the damage isn't too severe, it may grow back, but if it was picked/chewed right off, it may not. As long as the wound site heals without infection, the fish will do fine. If there is an infection though, that is another story.

Jenn
Thats what I was thinking,large Clarks!
 
I haven't seen the Clark's pick on any fish except for the first week the fishes were introduced. This past week I have been pretty lazy feeding so I think that just caused stress. I noticed my blue hippo has a darkening around its nose. So I have stepped up my feeding and did a water change. As soon as I can, I'll upload pictures
 
JennM;762275 wrote: Melafix is junk, imo.

Jenn

I don't know the research to compare this to any others but I have used it when animals had wounds and they healed. Not sure if it's the Melafix or time that did it. I did lose a yellow tail Damsel to injury but that was because I couldn't get the others to leae it alone. Once he got injured my Puffer say him as food.
 
I'd vote for time. Fins and tails can heal very quickly on their own.
 
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