Bala Shark missing half his face... what should i do?

[Carefree_Dude]

A local pet store gave me this bala shark that is missing half of his head. The've had the fish for several months now, and just wanted to get rid of it so they gave it to me. It doesn't seem to be growing any; i purchased a few of his tankmates from the same batch he was in, and they are more than double his size. Of course, this could be because mine got a lot more food.

So, should I try and let this guy grow? or is he probably suffering? He acts normal, and is very active. He has great difficulty eating, and is always breathing hard though. I've had him about a week and he lives in his own tank.

Its hard to see in the picture, but he is missing everything past his mouth, his eye, and his gill on that side.

 

[kevinfleming21]

I hope you did not put him in with any of your other stock.

Sorry, just read he was. Is the area spreading?

 

[Carefree_Dude]

no, he's by himself. sorry, i worded that poorly. back when i first saw him, i ended up buying other bala sharks from that same tank. He has a tank to himself right now. Its been the same area. it looks like a bigger fish took a chunk out of him, and he healed that way.

 

[prskiller]

Ouch, that sucks........for him anyway. I have no advise other than salt, heat and let it ride.

 

[Bllib]

He should heal. Make sure the temp is good add some salt but I have seen worse and the fish come back alright. If you want you can buy a band aid for the fish that you apply outside of the tank and that can help with infections but if he is by himself he should be ok. Keep the water clean