I've had the fish for about 2 weeks now. It has started to get black on his head, fins, and some on his belly. What is it, and what should I do?
2006-12-26 11:47:04 · 5 answers · asked by EhGirl 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
No, it's not Ich. Ich is white spots.
You didn't specify what type of fish you have? Coldwater fish (Goldfish, Carp, Tench and other Cyprinids) caused by a parasitic worm; this will require an anti-parasitic medication which will depend on what fish you have. Consult with your local fish store.
Black spot disease is also caused by a parasite that is carried by snails. If you have no snails, rule out this possibility.
Black "ich" is yet another parasite. These will move freely on your fish's body. Formalin based products or those containing organophosphate compounds such as trichlorfon appear to be the best medications. And keep up with frequent gravel vacs to get rid of the parasites that have fallen to the gravel. However, black "ich" is mostly associated with Tangs and Surgeonfishes.
Other than that, it could be bacterial, OR ammonia burn. Check levels in fish tank, and add 1 flat tbsp aquarium salt per 5 gallons of water, and treat with Maracyn or Maracyn-2.
2006-12-26 12:41:08 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are these actuallyy black spots?
There is an actuall fish disease called black spot disease. This is very rare though and is even then more common in more brackish conditions. These look like small black spots and the best treatment is a hard to find product called Naladixic Acid.
Otherwise if the black is more like a dis-coloration it is more likely to be a bacterial infection. Check your water parameters, especially ammonia if this is high change water and use Prime and make sure you have good filtration, especially biological.
Sponge filters are good for additional bio filtration.
Possible diseases include aeromonas, vibrio, or and columnaris (flexibacter).
Possible treatments include Pimafix, Triple Sulfa, Usnic acid, or Kanamyacin.
There is more information here about some of these diseases and treatments:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Information.html
2006-12-26 20:52:18 · answer #2 · answered by Carl Strohmeyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm, mabey your fish is catching something, Call a vet and Good Luck!
2006-12-26 19:54:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the disease they get called "Ick".
Get some drops for the water.
2006-12-26 20:03:36 · answer #4 · answered by day by day 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a bacterial infection. try cleaning the tank and switching it's food.
2006-12-26 19:49:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋