Oscar With Green Algae Growing Out Of Head

[stewpidwaysian]

Does it look like this?

That's the right size for it but it's not discolored in any way. It's located in an area between the eye and the gill area. The indent has fluffy green "algae-like" substance growing out it that covers the entire indent. It used to just be an indent which he's had for as long as I can remember but it's just been the past 2-3 weeks that he's had green stuff in it...

I have a few appointments that I will be attending to. I will check back here in 16 hours or so to respond to all new posts. Thanks again to all for helping me try to solve this issue!!

 

[nosoup4you]

Definitely sounds like HITH, the lesions will not necessarily be discolored...

http/www.worldcichlids.com/diseases/Adamhith.html

 

[WILDER]

It sounds like hole in the head to me aswell.

 

[petertr]

As someone else said, unusual to have zero nitrate unless its a planted tank. Could be a bad reading or a bad test kit?

Tempting to ask the LFS to check the water.


I've seem HITH cleared by simple daily 25% water changes over the course of 2 weeks.

 

[Tolak]

I believe the coloration you are seeing is a secondary issue. I would treat as HITH, daily large water changes, soak the pellets in a liquid vitamin such as Centrum. Water quality, vitamin deficiency, and carbon are the most likely causes.

 

[ThePiggy]

I don't know if water changes for a 90 gallon tank are comparable to smaller tank, like 10-30 gallon tanks.. but 1/3 water changes every other week doesn't seem like enough. In my tanks, I do 30-40% water changes twice a week. In the tanks that are smaller than 10 gallons, I do bigger water changes 3-4 times a week.

Did you check your water stats before or after a water change?