Sick Goby ?

[KathyC]

Something isn't right with my Pink Spotted Shrimp Goby..late last night I noticed that 1/2 of his face is suddenly a much darker color than usual. This coloration is only on his head and is exactly half of his face straight down the middle like something from Star Trek.

He has also become timid (not his usualy personality) and I can't get of pic of this change as he takes off as soon as the camera is out..might have something to do with the flash since he usually poses for pics.

Will try & take one after work.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[scarf_ace1981]

is he battling w/ any other fish. they can chanage colors depending on mood.

 

[KathyC]

is he battling w/ any other fish.

Not that I have seen, he's basically a mush who sits watching me while I work, eats, dumps sand on my most expensive zoas and not much else.

Other occupants are a Flame Angel who is afraid of it's own shadow, the infamous jumping McCosker wrasse who minds it's own business to date, a Mandarin, a 6 line wrasse that is just over an inch long (doutful he's the culprit as the Goby could eat him in a heartbeat), a Blenny - no issue there, and a Royal Gramma.

I'm attaching a really crappy pic, best I could get.
Since this color change he seems very sensitive to light and is spening most of his time in his cave with his buddy the fire shrimp.

 

[Psycho graphic]

Never underestimate the ferocity of a 6-Line Wrasse.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i see what you mean. i wouldn't worry too much.

 

[pEEshEE]

Never underestimate the ferocity of a 6-Line Wrasse.

If it's the one Kathy picked up from me, then it's a peaceful Cryptic Sixline...

 

[scarf_ace1981]

kathy is there anything wrong w/ it's eye(the one on the darker side)?

 

[KathyC]

Both eyes look the same, no damage, not cloudy, not swollen. Threw some food in the tank to try & get him out for a better pic..he didn't come out of his cave. Very unlike him to miss a meal.

Here is a slightly better pic:

 

[Psycho graphic]

That is the most bizarre thing I've seen in all my years of keeping fish. Sorry but all I can think of when I see that, is Capt. Kirk would hit that in a heartbeat, he always had an affection for those strange colored babes.

Does anyone know if fish show bruises?

Maybe something fell on it? Are there any rocks out of place in the tank?

 

[KathyC]

lol...Star Trek... but I was thinking more of this pic than Capt. Kirk hitting on one of the ladies..

The resemblance is uncanny!

Rocks all seem to be in place, maybe you're right & it is a bruise...it's just SO defined and the coloration runs clear down through his mouth...
He is hiding now that the metal halides are on, so I'm sure light is bothering him.

I guess it's just watch & wait.
Thanks for the help guys!

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Just by looking at the pic the coloration looks like normal fish behavior. They can change colors to a certain degree but on the side of caution it may be a minor bacterial infection that may be effecting his eye (since you say he is sensitive to light).

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i'm sorry but that is the funniet thing i've seen.

hope it goes away and all ends well. i doubt it's a bruise.