Tropical Fish Problem

Abyss · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:17

I have noticed in the past that there are quite a few tropical fish keepers on here. Has anyone come across the below:

It has only developed on one fish so far, doesn't appear to be affecting his desire to eat, and he appears to be unaffected by it. It seems unlikely it is white spot as the patches are too large and my Clown Loach (usually the first to contract white spot due to having no scales) are unaffected.

Any ideas?

I am going to go up to the fish shop tomorrow morning to see what treatment I can get.

Biohazard · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:19

Methylene blue is good sometimes, take fish or water sample to local shop.

Spots like that ain't good thing though.

I only have coldwater fish experience, but fish are fish.

neodude · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:35

Looks like a fungal infection

D18241 · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:57

If i had anything like that in my tank would be bagged up and off to shop near me for advice

khushy · 30 Oct 2009 at 20:00

isnt that a GoldFish with a Corsa stripe on it??

khushy

D18241 · 30 Oct 2009 at 20:03

its some type of tetra afaik

fishfishfish · 30 Oct 2009 at 20:36

I'd test the water first to check that the levels of ammonia and nitrite are not above zero and that the nitrate level is acceptable (it should be below the nitrate level of your tapwater). It's tricky to tell what the condition is from the image, however, it may be a combination of things. A protozoan parasite called Ichthyobodo causes similar white patches, but the internal swellings are likely to be caused by something else - possibly a bacterial infection.

I'd avoid methylene blue, as although it can kill some pathogens, it will also anihilate the filter bacteria, which will leave you with bigger problems. I'd go for Interpet's General Tonic medication which should be able to tackle the parasites and some basic bacterial infections. If your water is OK and you catch this quickly, hopefully it won't spread.

MeatLoaf · 30 Oct 2009 at 21:14

Its a harlequin rasbora and it looks like its got a fungal infection. Do you have anything you can quarantine it in? For a small fish you could maybe float a glass jar inside the main tank.

Biohazard · 30 Oct 2009 at 22:24

MeatLoaf said:
Do you have anything you can quarantine it in?

This. You will need to keep it seperated ideally for at least a week or so if it does well. I kept my original 'bowl' for sickness, or tank changes.

Aero · 30 Oct 2009 at 23:18

Definately looks fungal, I would highly recommend the use of some Pimafix by API its a natural treatment here is a blurb about it,

"Treats fungal infections and both internal and external bacterial infections. Will not adversely affect the biological filter, alter the pH, or discolor water. Safe for reef aquariums and live plants. For use in fresh or salt water. PimaFix has been formulated to work in combination with Melafix to enhance effectiveness against fish diseases. "

Used to get very good feedback from customers with a similar problem when I worked in an aquatics shop. Also take out your carbon from you filter when treating as it will remove the chemical from your water

Aero

Abyss · 31 Oct 2009 at 12:33

Thanks for all your help everyone, unfortunately it died before I could get any treatment in, but fortunately all the other fish seem ok.

d_brennen · 31 Oct 2009 at 12:45

I'd still go ahead and get some treament in there, in case it spreads. I've only had coldwater fish (goldies, moores and a loach) but as said, fish are fish. Infections like that can linger

arc@css · 31 Oct 2009 at 14:35

Good advice above. Photo suggested fungal. I forget the brand I used to use but when I get home I'll see if I have any left, produced a nice range of meds.