Fire Eel

Question
I have a fire eel, about 5 years old in a 38 gallon tank.  He has been in there alone for about 1 year and my husband recently added 2 baby bala sharks and 3 baby angel fish.  I realize my tank will be too small as these fish grow.  My fire eel is already the size of my arm!  All these fish appear healthy.  A few days ago, my fire eel started acting listless and not eating.  He is laying in the front of the tank, usually he stays in a decorative rock with holes with only his head and tail sticking out.  Today I noticed cottony material on his tail and by tonight it appears to wide spread over his body to the point that it looks as though he shedding.  He also has cluster of spots that remind of parasites.  As I said, the other fish appear healthy and have none of the cottony stuff or spots on them.  The spots also appear to protrude from his body.
I took a water sample to the fish store and they assure me it is good.  Fish store recommeded Triple Sulfa but this was before I noticed the protruding spots.
Sorry this is so long but it's difficult to describe what appears to be multiple diseases.  Also has red streaks on various parts of his body...Help!


Answer
Hi Chrissy;

Poor guy. It could any number of things; bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic. I don't know if the T-Sulfa will be effective but you could try it. It's so hard to diagnose without seeing the fish so I can't say. He needs an isolation tank to treat him in. You don't want to add medication to the main tank if you can help it. It will mess up the biological balance and you will have more problems. More effective is Maracyn and Maracyn Two. Both can be used together. I doubt it's parasites but if you need to treat for that too, but you have to be careful and not overdo it. Parasite remedies can be very harsh and eels are very sensitive. Avoid any medications that have precautions or say to avoid using with scaleless/sensitive/delicate fish. Aquarium salt is okay and is actually a good tonic. Start with 1/2 teaspoon per gallon and see if it helps.

Good luck...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins