Fish problem, HELP!

[Azazael13]

I know this is a reef board, and the poor fish in question is a freshwater beauty, but any help you can give me would be great.

exhibit 1:

exhibit 2:

As you can see he has something what appears to be, coming out of his head. My wife described it kinda like the head of a zit. He hasn't been eating and isn't his normal self.

I was thinking it was maybe a fungus, thoughts? I have been treating for the last few days with Rid-ich (which will also work on fungus and other parasites). He seems to be better, but I really want to know what is wrong. The only bright side is that the medicine is turning my water very VERY blue.

 

[JHemdal]

The pictures aren't quite clear enough, but it looks like it could be Epistylis, a non-obligate parasite, a stalked protozoan. The only way to be certain is to scrape a bit off and look at it under a scope.

Since Rid-Ich works on both fungus and protozoans, it would be a good option.

If it is Epistylis, it will likely return in a month or two. Epistylis usually grows on fish where there has been some injury. Cichlids often get it when they "lip lock". Has your parrot cichlid been doing that with another fish?

JHemdal

 

[Azazael13]

no lip locking that I have seen. The tank has three other fish, another parrot and two iridescent sharks.

I will see if I can get some better pictures tonight, he isn't cooperating right now.

I am just hoping he pulls through, he is one of the coolest fish I have ever had, and I love the way he looks (the lack of a tail is just cool looking). He has so much personality.

 

[kevin2000]

My 02

Not sure picture isn't clear enough. FW dip is often effective in removing many parasites like flukes etc and something that I would try.

Not a fan of rid ich ... not considered effective against ich (protozoan parasite) and doubt it would have any impact on a fungal problem (which are rare in SW at any rate).

Here's a link which discusses how to give a FW dip.

http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/freshwaterdips.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Azazael13]

Not sure a FW dip would help a FW fish, but thanks

 

[kevin2000]

Sorry ... did not recognize the fish and this is a SW forum.

 

[Azazael13]

Oh I know what kind of board it is, I also know a lot of people have (or had) freshwater at some point.

 

[JHemdal]

FW dip? hehehehe.....

It sure looks like Epistylis. I was just hedging my bets because without a microscope NOBODY can be 100% on an ID. My second guess would be Saprolegnea (another non-obligate parasite - saprophyte really, that is often seen at sites of fish injuries).

Jay