My fish have developed black speckled spots, like they got paint overspray on thier tails.?

Question

Red Belly Pacu, only 2 of 3 fish in tank have this. What is it?

Answer 1

Its Black Spots, or diplopstomiasis.

Symptoms
-Small black speckles on body
-Flickering
-Small black smudges on fish
-Scratching against surfaces
-Very irritated

General Description
A disease caused by the larvae of parasitic genetic flukes, Zaccaria and Mascara. A common disease in earthen bottom ponds and lakes, this disease is caused by a parasite (larval trematode) that burrows into the skin of a fish causing the formation of a cyst approximately one millimetre in diameter. This parasite has a complex life cycle that requires fish eating birds or mammals, snails, and fish at different stages in order to survive.

In general, even heavy infestations of these parasites do relatively little damage to the fish. There is some evidence that heavily infested juvenile fish may experience excessive blood loss, physiological stress, and even death. Also, fish with heavy infestations on the eyes may be blinded.

The term "Black Spot" refers to the formation of small cysts in the muscle and skin around which the parasite lives. The cyst accumulates black pigment cells. These cause little harm to the fish. Young fish have growth problems if heavily infected. The first intermediate host is a mollusk. The fish is the second intermediate host and the final host is a kingfisher or heron.

Treatment
Black spot is generally easy to cure. There are a number of commercially available treatments and preventatives.

Black Spot Prevention
Be careful when adding new fish. Black Spot, or diplopstomiasis, often follows the addition of new aquarium fish. All fish are susceptible, especially the Silver Dollar and Piranha. It is fairly easy to diagnose and treat.

Answer 2

Ich is white, not black.
The black spots on the end of your fish's tail could be many things. It maybe a virus, fish lice or the pacu is starting to change it's colors. If you are not sure what it is then I would suggest doing a few partial water changes. If it is something that is contributed to illness it will start to disappear once the fish's immune system becomes active.

Answer 3

I dont know what a red belly pacu is, but i had 2 goldfish (the ones that are fat with bulgy eyes) both completely golden in color and one day one of the fish started having black spots on its tail and over the next few weeks it turned completely black. did not die though..lived for long time. maybe your fish are just changing colors. sorry cant be more helpful.

Answer 4

I would ask your pet store, it might be natural for this fish, as I am not familiar either. I have a tropical "Dalmatian", and they have spots, but had them from a baby. It could be a disease and needs medication, so it is best to consult with your pet store in the fish dept.

Answer 5

The black spots are called "Ick". It's a disease many fish get. Go to the pet store, they have medicine you put in the water. Fish CAN die of Ick.