bright redness at the base of the pectoral fin where it joins the breast

[xyyz]

hello all,

i just noticed this a few minutes ago. the left pectoral fin's starting point (where it joins the breast) is almost blood red. the entire part joining the body is red, not just a spot. the line isn't too thick, but it's pretty noticeable.

the fish is still active and has a good appetite. there's a pair of aggressive angelfish that are close to spawning, so i know they take nips at all other fish, making me think this might be a wound; however in looking at the pattern, it seems unlikely.

is this a wound, or is this, and i hope not, some sort of infection.

what do i do to treat this condition?

i have a quarantine tank ready, so if the fish needs to be treated, i can get the meds and start on it right away.

[xyyz]

i wonder why you can't add pictures during an edit...

anyways, here's a picture. i'll try and get some better ones.

[xyyz]

here are two more pictures:

[Zagz]

It does look like either a wound or an infection possibly caused by a wound. I would wait on the QT and try doing an extra water change. If the spot doesn't start to heal, then I would move to QT and treat with a broad spectrum antibotic.

[xyyz]

i have a 1.5 gallon QT. i was told it was way too small. is it true that i need a 10 gallon min quarantine tank?

[xyyz]

i woke up this morning to find the redness gone. thank God.

[Zagz]

For angelfish a 10 gal qt would be best. I'm glad the spot is gone.

[xyyz]

i guess i gotta figure out what to do with this 1.5 gallon tank.

[Alaris]

Sell it and buy a 10g.

[xyyz]

the sad this is that the ten gallon and this were the same price. even the petsmart employee was shaking her head when i purchased this one.