Lionfish problem

[grouper 42]

I am copying this problem over from the disease section since it may not be disease. Any thoughts, particularly from Lionfish:
Found an odd problem with my lionfish when I returned from a 2 week vacation. The LFS came and fed the fish. He/she has appeared to have lost the superficial skin above his upper lip. Or it has split and separated. It is as though you can see the underlying soft tissue and cartilage all the way around above the lip. It seems too symmetrical and deep to have been from physical damage. There is no redness or other sign of disease or infection. He/she otherwise appears to be breathing and acting normally. LFS had no idea what it was but is not easy to describe on the phone or in writing. Any ideas?

 

[lionfish]

LionFish says.....
Well, seeing as this is my best topic, I will ask a few questions. Seeing as you have a 128 gallon tank I can rule out a small tank problem. Just curious, but what kind of Lion is it? Also, what kind of fish do you have with it? In particular, do you have any large aggressive Triggers? They can easliy do damage. Although this sounds like a disease of some sort, you can never rule out all the possiblities. I have never seen this with lions before but I have seen a horrible break out of what you have described among African Cichlids. Their lips seemed to be gradually falling apart. I have had many lions but this seems to be a strange problem. I have never witnessed this with my lions. A few more questions: Do you have a UV Sterilizer? If not, you may want to get one. What is your filtration? Assuming you had a good housekeeper while you were gone, do the person report any form of stress, such as being picked on or high temperatures. Or see if the lion was acting strangely at any time. I will certainly look into this. In the time being, you may want to try some medicines as long as you have no corals or inverts. Maricin seems to be a life-saver.

 

[grouper 42]

This is a red Volitans. I have a Sealife Pro 150 wet/dry filter No triggers. My other fish are a cherry grouper, magnificent rabbitfish, harlequin tuskfish, majestic angel, stars and stripes puffer, and a sailfin tang. All are about the same size. They are all peaceful and I have never seen anyone pick on the Lion. I do not have a UV sterilizer. I tried to contact the LFS guy who came while I was away but he is off for the weekend and unavailable. What you describe in the cichlids is what it appears to be to me but I am definitely an amateur at this. Would you use the Maricin or Maricin 2 and can I put it in the tank since I don't have a hospital tank?

 

[lionfish]

LionFish says.......
I would start with Maricin 1 and if it fails to help, you might want to try Maricin 2. Now seeing as you have some very expensive fish, I would highly recommend a UV Sterilizer. It will definitely be worth the money. A UV Sterilizer will keep almost every disease and bacteria from being able to attack the fish. Indispensable item in my opinion. None of my fish get diseases anymore since I have added the Sterilizer. Also, as far as being safe to add the meds. It is completely safe as long as you have no inverts or live rock. The meds will kill the inverts and live rock along with any corals. Other than that, it is completely safe.

 

[grouper 42]

I have live rock and crushed coral. No other fish appears to be ill at the moment fortunately.