ill reed fish

Question
hi, I have a reed fish (8.5") he has been completely happy and healthy, until
his tank mate dies. He seemed quite sad, trying to nuzzle with the other fish.
I got another reed fish, he was so happy again. Then this fish died, a few days
after he escaped and was put back in the tank. I put him back in the tank and
he seemed fine, but quickly developed these silver'ish blotches, as the
blotches got worse, so did he. After he died my fish seems unconsolable,
now he is developing the same blotches. It is not ick, or any regular fish
problem. today he seems to be at the top of the tank more (not for oxygen)
but because something is wrong. Please help, any info would be appreciated.
Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,
I'm sorry to hear that. :(

Perhaps the best thing to do is check your water quality first. And also be sure to do a 30-50% water change regardless.

From your description is sounds like the patches could be columnaris which is often labeled a fungus infection but it is more bacterial in nature.  If the patches look foggy/silvery white then likely that is what is affecting your fish.  It is very common in stressed fish and especially those that have been handled.

Ropefish tolerate salt in most cases. And I'd recommend putting some aquarium salt in your tank to try to help deter some infection. Dissolve the salt first and add it in portions at a time to get him use to it. These infection may also need to be treated with a strong antibiotic such as Maracyn 1 and Maracyn two combined (to cover both gram-negative and gram-positive infections). Use of a quarantine tank would be good at this point and daily water changes would be very beneficial too.

If you'd rather try something less invasive. I've had good luck treating infections with Jungle Brand Fungus Clear. It works for bacterial infections too and doesn't seem to stress fish. I don't recall the label warning about anything but make sure to double check in case it warns against using it on ropefish.

But know that I cannot guarantee anything. These infections can attack fast and can be stubborn. :(

Best of luck and I hope this helps!
Karen~