head laceration

[Mr Pleco]

Must of been a rough night in the tank, my cichla has a pretty good gash on the top of his head..don't think it was a bite as its got a flap of skin waving loosely over the opening...how do you treat your monster fish when this happens...? have you ever applied an antiseptic like iodine?

BTW the fish in question is 15 to 18" long

 

[Aquanero]

The best thing to do provided there are no sesative tank mates is to salt the water at 1 tablespoon per ten gallons and keep the water very clean. If thats not an option Betadine or Methylene Blue can be applied directly to the wound as a topical antiseptic. Be careful not to get it in the eyes or gills.

 

[xraycer]

I typically dose with melafix for several days when my green severum pairs have marital issues

 

[Mr Pleco]

thank you both for your replies....hopefully this gouge will heal soon...