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View Full Version : Copperband Itching (no white spots)


cobra2326
12/03/2007, 09:30 PM
I recently purchased a copperband butterfly from the LFS. He ate at the store and appeared healthy, so I grabbed him.

I've now noticed that he has a bit of Lymphocystis on his right lower fin and tends to itch against the rock. I don't see any white spots, so I don't think it's Ich (yet). However, I did notice that his OTHER lower fin has black speckles on it, and it seems to be the one that is bothering him. The speckles do not move. He also has an apparent area of irritation about 1cm behind his gill on his right. He's tried several times to have the crab clean it, but to no avail.

He takes food great (mini mysis and clam on the half shell) and picks at the rockwork all day, although he occasionally hangs out behind the rocks. He does appear to be eating copepods and/or poly. worms.

The only reason I'm even worried is because he is scratching, shaking his fins occasionally.

I'm about to post a video and two photos.

cobra2326
12/03/2007, 09:41 PM
Here's a video. You can barely see him flicking his lower fin around in it, but sometimes it will flinch for a second or so:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlKdBHFE81I

A pic of the lymphocystis. This is the same side that he scratches against the rock occasionally.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/161446lymphocystis.jpg

And here's one of the strange area on his side. It usually doesn't look that "flakey." It's more like a slightly worn or infected looking area, similar to his lower fin. He regularly has issues with both that area and his fin. Could it be flukes?
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/161446side.jpg

He does appear to be breathing heavy, although it slows sometimes.

Water quality:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0
pH: 8.2-8.3
SG: 1.021
Alk: 8dKH
Calcium: 400

It's a 55g (48x12x18). With two ocellaris clowns and this copperband.