Small White Spots on Chichlids (3 dead)

[kuhnertang]

The last week I had three of my large 8-10" chichlids die. From what I can gather is that they have small white spots on their head and back. I have had this tank for three years without problems. All of a sudden there are three that are dead.

Any suggestions?

 

[SAT]

kuhnertang,

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Freshwater Cichlids? Assuming you're dealing with freshwater Ich (Ichthyophthiriosis), I suggest getting a formalin + malachite green formulation. Alternately, you can try raising the temperature to 86F for 10 days. Note, these are not recommended treatments in marine tanks.

Best bet is to remove the fish to a treatment tank, particularly if you have plants or snails that you care about. Formalin will pretty well wipe out your biological filtration. Allow the main tank to be free of fish for for a month to be sure all the parasites are dead. Malachite green should not be used with fish that have sensitive skin, including loaches and some tetras.

I'm assuming you have added some new fish or some other wet object within the last month. The best treatment for Ich is avoidance by strict quarantine.

BTW, you might get better advice at a site that specializes in freshwater fish.

 

[White Tiger]

In order for me to help, please answer the following questions.

1. Did the 3 fish die within a few days of each other?
2. What is your water quality?
3. Have you bought any new fish within the past month, or two months?
4. Do the white spots vary in size?
5. When was the last time you did a water change?