heniochus butterfly dying - Aquarium Advice

eoliver37 · 02-09-2009, 01:04 AM

Hi,
I have a 55 gallon FOWLR tank. Recently, I've been trying to convert my FOWLR to a reef tank, so a few days ago, I set up different lights (T5s 216w, I don't know if this is of any significance). In my tank I have a Picasso trigger, which is actually smaller than my Bannerfish. Currently, my Bannerfish is laying on its side breathing heavily. It has various red spots on its body, which I believe are from the Picasso, but I am not sure because I was not home when it began to act this way. It is in a separate cage now, but any advice as to how to save it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

**melosu58** · 02-09-2009, 02:02 AM

He almost does look like he was attacked. But without seeing them fighting then it`s hard to say. Those type fish are notorius for not lasting long in the home aquarium.

eoliver37 · 02-09-2009, 02:15 AM

Do you think the new lighting system could have affected it at all? Maybe causing him to become stressed and therefore an easier target for the trigger?

Innovator · 02-09-2009, 07:46 AM

Looks to be a bacterial infection to me. I would treat with a Nitrofurazone (Furacyn) or Minocycline (Maracyn 2). Treat in a qt or at least bathe in a bucket and keep the main tank water as pristine as possible.

porcelaindoll · 02-09-2009, 03:01 PM

from all the research I have done I can say that it is never safe to keep any trigger (especially a picasso or clown) together with a butterfly. even if the trigger is smaller. althought it doesn't really look like he was attacked in the photo. i agree with the previous reply. looks like a bacterial infection.