Stingray injury ?

[Freshwater4Life]

Hey guys , hoping some of the brainpower on here can help me figure out what's going on with my ray. As you'll see in my photos he has some kind of injury / abrasion right above his barb . It's white and appears raw as is if some trauma or an infection has occurred. He's about one year old and has never had any issues it all before. Eats pellets , shrimp etc... but since I've noticed his injury his appetite has gone way down . He used to be a voracious eater but eats like every other day now . Still seems fairly active and no other apparent issues My other ray in the tank is completely normal and eating like a mad man like he always has. My nitrates are under 40 ppm at the most and 0 ammonia. Tank is well established. I also run a uv on it. I have added some salt about 3 days ago to help with the healing of the wound. Thanks in advance for any and all advice / Info you guys might have. Can try and take more pics but those are the best my iPhone camera seem to be able to take.

 

[Jez1992]

It's not too clear from the images, is the white bit on the barb itself or the flesh above?

As if it's on the barb, sometimes mine go like that just before they shed them.

However if on the flesh then can't help I'm afraid!

 

[Freshwater4Life]

It's not too clear from the images, is the white bit on the barb itself or the flesh above?

As if it's on the barb, sometimes mine go like that just before they shed them.

However if on the flesh then can't help I'm afraid!

Thanks for the response. It appears to be right where the barb is coming out . And the barb itself looks somewhat damaged. Excuse my ignorance but it appears he has two barbs . The one lower down his tail is comepletely normal and fine. This one is above the bottom barb and looks like it's coming in.

 

[Jez1992]

Thanks for the response. It appears to be right where the barb is coming out . And the barb itself looks somewhat damaged. Excuse my ignorance but it appears he has two barbs . The one lower down his tail is completely normal and fine. This one is above the bottom barb and looks like it's coming in.

Yeah that looks like the sheath is starting to come off gradually on old barb, another normal sign it'll shortly drop off leaving the new one underneath. They do this every 6months or so.

I reckon it's that. Don't worry just keep eye on tank so can fish it out once drops so you can get it out asap

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Yeah that looks like the sheath is starting to come off gradually on old barb, another normal sign it'll shortly drop off leaving the new one underneath. They do this every 6months or so.

I reckon it's that. Don't worry just keep eye on tank so can fish it out once drops so you can get it out asap

Yeah that looks like the sheath is starting to come off gradually on old barb, another normal sign it'll shortly drop off leaving the new one underneath. They do this every 6months or so.

I reckon it's that. Don't worry just keep eye on tank so can fish it out once drops so you can get it out asap

Awesome. I knew they shed them just wasn't sure at what frequency or if they just fell right off unnoticed. Thanks again for responding

 

[Dieselhybrid]

Just looks a little raw from shedding or preparing to shed the barb. Watch for white fuzz or necrosis. Should be fine.

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Just looks a little raw from shedding or preparing to shed the barb. Watch for white fuzz or necrosis. Should be fine.

Thanks Will do !

 

[JK47]

Thanks Will do !

Hey Cameron, hope all is well. As others pointed out, it is normal and just the process of shedding a barb.

Make sure you don't handle it with bare hands when you pull out the barb, especially if there is still skin on it/freshly shed. A good pair of angling gloves go a long way in this hobby.

 

[Woefulrelic]

The barbs get scary big, I can only imagine what Jk and Diesel pull out. As my lady passed the 12in mark I've found putting my hands in the tank a growing fear.

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Hey Cameron, hope all is well. As others pointed out, it is normal and just the process of shedding a barb.

Make sure you don't handle it with bare hands when you pull out the barb, especially if there is still skin on it/freshly shed. A good pair of angling gloves go a long way in this hobby.

Hey Justin , thanks for the advice and yea man everything has been good. Hope also is well on your end too. Your baby is doing awesome. He's really starting to put some size on him and is constantly roaming and playing. I'll have to post some updated pics soon