Help! Injured cory

[guppygirl123]

One of my peppered cory cats had an injury when I woke up this morning. The area around one of his fins was bright red, and looked kind of raw. He swam around and ate just fine, but I was worried. When I got home my mom said he hadn't been out in the front of the tank all day. I thought I would find him dead, but he was alive. I couldn't see the fin so I put my hand near him and he swam out in front, where I saw that the wound hadn't gotten any worse. He swam as normal and even rummaged around in the gravel, looking for food.

My plan is to get some anti-bacterial medication so the wound doesn't get infected in any way. However, I can't go to the LFS till tomorrow. Anything I can do? I've found infections in fish spread faster in warmer water- should I turn the temp down a few degrees? (Slowly, of course)

I really don't know how this happened. I have had cories for a long time in this tank, and have never had a problem. I think it was probably the male ram- he is often aggressive with the cories at feeding time. I don't really know what else it could be.

Thanks, guys!

 

[guppygirl123]

*bump*

 

[soobie]

Do a partial water change- clean water will help it heal. I wouldn't turn the heater down, that might just stress him more.

 

[fishorama]

I agree with soobie, when anything is wrong, change some water & leave the temp alone. Maybe try some melafix, I haven't but many people swear by it for minor injuries. Good luck.

 

[Cory Lover]

Yep, do a water change.

I recommend getting Melafix, its all natural and it doesn't harm Corydoras, like many other meds may do.

CL

 

[guppygirl123]

Okay, update time!

Last night I did a two gal. water change (I just did a water change two days ago so I didn't do a big one). Then my dad took me to the store and I bought some melafix, which I dosed. The cory was acting pretty well. He ate and everything, and swam around with the other cories. This morning he was also fine. I'm going to dose the melafix again this evening, but tomorrow I'm going out of town for three days, so no more melafix. :huh: The wound already looks a bit less red, so I think he will be fine. Thanks for the help, guys!

 

[msjinkzd]

Glad to hear he is making progress. I would do a water change as soon as you get back as well. The cleaner the water, the quicker he will heal. Good luck and keep us posted.