My fish has a red bubbly rash on its dorsal side, what is it?

Answer 1

Thanks for the kind words and the referral Jon.

Often a rash is an indication of parasites and treating for them may well be a good idea. The bubbly part however concerns me. That is an indication of a bacterial infection. Some of these rash type infections can actually be very serious and potentially can be transmitted to humans. That's extremely rare, but just to let you know so you don't put your hands in the tank if you have an open wound.

I would recommend treating with a good antibiotic such as Maracyn TC for the potential bacterial infection. If you also have parasites, which is very possible, this treatment will only get rid of the bubbly part of the problemn and the rest will still be there. If that's the case after a few days of treatment, if if it spreads during treatment, then also follow Jon V's advice and treat for a parasite as well. Copper is a good treatment for parasites, as is Maracide.

Best of luck with it

MM

Answer 2

My thanks also to Jon V for the reference.

I would initally think a bacterial infection as well, possibly Columnaris or Furunculosis. I'll defer treatment info to MM, since he's already included that with his response.

Any chance of posting a photo so we can see what this looks like? You can download a digital photo to any of the photo-sharing websites, and inclide a URL link as an "add details" to this question. If you're not sure how to do this, contact me by email through my profile, and I an walk you through the steps.

Answer 3

Magicman and copperhead are experts when it comes to disease and I can't even hold a candle to them. If I had to guess at this though, my first thought is a parasite. If the scales are lifted and you are seeing blood or bloody areas underneath, then I'm pretty sure that's a parasite. My guess would be flukes. My initial treatment would be copper sulfate, but again I am not an expert, and I'll try to get magic or copper to answer this.

JV

Answer 4

Here is a site with all the different diseases a fish can have with pics and treatment info

http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/stressdisease.shtml

Hope that helps

Good luck



EB

Answer 5

I think it is some sort of parasite. Try melafix along with stress coat to heal and disenfect the wound.

Answer 6

It could be a fungus on its scales.. You should try google ing it, or use ASK.com to see for sure. I dunno how important this fish is to you, but I can't really justify spending a lot of money on a vet to look at it.

Answer 7

Sounds like pox. If it is it won't kill the fish, just looks bad. I think its like herpes, nothing you can do.

Answer 8

disease