Pearl Gourami Wound

[LittleGourami]

I have had this male pearl gourami (His name is "Wiggums" 

) For over a few years (I'm not sure, I got him when I was pretty young.) When I moved him to a larger tank from his original he began to have a large wound on the side of his head, like something was biting into his flesh. I have no clue what is happening, and how to treat his wound if there is some kind of bacteria keeping it from healing. 

 

Anyone have some advice? 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It would help to have more information, like the water parameters, tank mates, pH, hardness, temp, etc.

Decor and how long it's been like this. Always in the same spot, or new locations? Is it getting bigger or has it remained the same size? More information is always best for helping to identify problems.

 

[LittleGourami]

It would help to have more information, like the water parameters, tank mates, pH, hardness, temp, etc.

Decor and how long it's been like this. Always in the same spot, or new locations? Is it getting bigger or has it remained the same size? More information is always best for helping to identify problems.

Sometimes it would heal a bit, then become the same size again. It always stays in the same spot on the side of his head. 

His tanks mates include:

- 1 female pearl gourami
- 1 male and female gold gourami
- 6 harlequin tetras
- 6 Danios of different variety. 
- 3 Clown loach.
- 3 neon tetras
 
The temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'm not sure what the current PH is.
 
The decor is plastic weeds, ornaments (like this: http/www.petsmart.ca/fish/decor-gravel/top-fin-coliseum-bubbler-aquarium-ornament-zid36-18187/cat-36-catid-300014?var_id=36-18187&_t=pfm%3Dcategory I actually have that very one.) and gravel. 
 
Though my ammonia level is not toxic, it's safe.
 
He is the only fish in my tank with that problem and it's been going on for a month, I thought with a bit of time it would heal. Although it isn't getting worse, i'm still worried.

   

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Do you have a picture?

 

[LittleGourami]

Do you have a picture?

 
Yeah:

http/sta.sh/0fumfsyi72y

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Its hard to make heads or tails of the exact would from the picture.  Is it a growth (external) or is it a sore (sunken)?  
 
 
 
Can you isolate the fish?  

Read through this and see if any of the descriptions match what you are seeing.
 
http/www.buzzle.com/articles/gourami-fish-diseases.html

 

[LittleGourami]

Its hard to make heads or tails of the exact would from the picture.  Is it a growth (external) or is it a sore (sunken)?  
 
 
 
Can you isolate the fish?  

Read through this and see if any of the descriptions match what you are seeing.
 
http/www.buzzle.com/articles/gourami-fish-diseases.html

 
I think a sore, and from all the diseases in the list the fungal one sees the most accurate but not completely. 
 
I can Isolate the fish, I have a 20 gallon set up and ready to go for such a purpose. 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I'd suggest start with isolation and some observation.  If you could get a clearer picture, that would be helpful for ID.
 
I'm not certain that it is a fungal infection.
 
A good treatment option when you are uncertain would be a salt dip or a salt bath (I lean towards the bath). http/www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2009/07/fish-baths.html
 
Generally speaking, this is a safe procedure for the fish, and you should start to see improvement in a matter of a day or two, if its working.  I believe that it will help out.
 
 
The biggest concern with the bath is the temp of the water changing while the fish is being 'bathed' which means a potential 'shock' when returning to the isolation tank.