Chinese algae eater lost a fin, has open sores.

[mobiusnu]

A couple days ago I noticed that my Chinese algae eater's dorsal fin was missing. I thought one of my cichlids had nibbled it off. The CAE was in a 55 gallon tank with some adult yellow labs, adult aceis, and a couple of 2" mbambas.

I moved the CAE to my fry tank in hopes that he'd start getting better. Today I noticed that he's getting worse. He now has some open sores on his back and there's a spot on his head that looks like it's peeling.

Anyone know what's going on?

Water parameters: 79 degrees F; ammonia = 0ppm; nitrite = 0ppm; nitrate = 20ppm; ph = 7.6.

Fish: 3.5" long; 1 year old

Edit: The Chinese algae eater just died. Should I be worried about some sort of communicable disease in the tank?

 

[Zagz]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I would suspect an injury that got infected. At this point if it were me, I would keep an close eye on the tank but not worry about any disease if the other fish are healthy. A pwc wouldn't hurt anything mind you.

 

[mobiusnu]

Do you think infection would explain how the sores were only along the center of the CAE's back and on the top of his head?

 

[Zagz]

No I think the infection was secondary. I suspect your cichlids of causing the injuries.