lion fish with a gash

[usinkit]

My V. lion fish has a gash above his upper lip on the whole left side. It looks like his jaw on that side is hanging down. I think it might of happen during a feeding with a feeding stick. He will still eat but he stays in the corner of the tank behind a rock looking very stressed and breathing is labored. Should I get some sort of medicine so it does not get infected? He is the only fish in there, besides a fell snails and scarlets. Thank you for any help. Hate to lose him over this!!!!
Brian

 

[gdamador]

:nope: I don't have any experience with Lions, actually I am just getting my first one in a few days, but I hope yours makes it. If it was an accident with the feeding stick it will probably heal by itself if you just let him be and don't stress him out in any way. I am thinking of fish that are caught and then released back into the water. They often have damage done to their mouth/lips and somehow survive. I've even caught fish with damaged mouths or even hooks still in them. Hopefully yours will be a tough guy and pull through.

 

[usinkit]

Thanks
I was thinking the same but now he is not eating, been 3 days and I know thats fine but he has been looking at the food and showing interest so I dont know if the gash is starting to effect how he grabs his food. The gash doesnt seem to be getting any worse or better.