need advice on saddleback butterfly

[jeffsfish]

In the past I've never had problems keeping this species of fish. I've been in the hobby for over 20 years. Recently I've purchased a saddleback because of its hardiness. However, I noticed that after two weeks, my fish who had a healthy appetite, stopped eating and died. What's even more confusing is that even while the fish was eating it never gained weight. A second try with the same species from another supplier has resulted in the same thing. In my past experience I've heard this is consistent with cyanide poisoning. Other than the fact that the fish became emaciated there seems to be no other symptoms. Both fish were quarantined before introduction into the main tank and treated prophylactically with a broad spectrum antibiotic and "quick cure". Any advice on what I may have missed or are my suspicions correct?
I've contacted the supplier I purchased the last butterfly from and swears they are net caught only. All the other fish in the main tank are healthy.

[Steven Pro]

Intestinal worms would also fit that description of symptoms.

For more reading on cyanide, see here http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-01/sp/index.php

[baobao]

Jeff, sorry to hear. What broad spectrum antibiotic and "quick cure" did you use? I wish someone could chime in on how to prophlatically treat incoming fish for possible cyanide poisoning! I think Fenner said that Methyl Blue is effective against cyanide and nitrite poisoning, but others claim that is not true? The problem is that if you don't treat for the cynaide poisoning proactively, the fish will likely die and you won't be able to tell. I am hopeful that someone can pitch in on such a treatment.

[Steven Pro]

baobao,

In addition to the article I linked above, you might also want to review this discussion on cyanide, http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=743384

[jeffsfish]

Baobao,
The antibiotic I used was Furan 2 which is nitrofurazone, furazolidone and methyline blue trihydrate; the Quick Cure (brand name) is formaldehyde and malachite green.

Steve,
Do you have any links to info on intestinal parasites?

My fish is still alive, but the prospects are grim. She will not eat tonight. She picked at some brine shrimp plus last night, but that's it. She's pinched behind the head now and lethargic.

[Steven Pro]

See here http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/internalinfections.html

In addition to the treatments described in the above link, garlic and Praziquantel also might be useful.