please identify disease

[harley]

I have a Harlequin Rasbora with an urgent need for treatment.

It has white nodules (say 1mm round) protruding at surfaceof body end just before the rear fin, one on both sides.

It was noticed 2 days ago on one side only. This morning, there is an identical protrusion on opposite side. The skin is broken slightly with a white head at skin surface. Looks most like a pimple. This appears to go to core of fishes spine, it can be seen translucently through skin. There appears to be a very small spot at middle of this object. Appeares to be a tiny hole, not a "mark". There is no red area around this protrusion.

I though it may be a parasite, but it progresses very rapidly. Am not sure if this is bacterial. The top portion of rear fin seems to be held down a bit. Fish is eating, but appears to be in some discomfort, but not actiing highly distressed, it is swimming normaly but not actively. This fish is not yet fully grown and has been part of a small shoal of "harleys" in fantastic spirits, and apparent health.

I have had same problem with another harley in this tank about six months ago and it was fatal. At that time, I treated the whole tank with the appropriate doses of Jungle parasire clear, followed by other anti-bacterial medications offered by Mardel, but without sucess.

This time, after the first day I noticed the problem (Yesterday) I removed carbon filtration and treated with "Melafix".

Does anybody have any advice or experience? It would be much appreciated.

 

[cat.fish]

it seems to me that your fish has a white sore. i don't know how to treat it but now you have an idea of what you are working with. what i i have already tryed is searching google for information.

 

[Tammy2080]

it may be hole in the head, despite the name this can happen along the spine of the fish too,

symptoms white sours that get bigger with time, antibiotics wont cure and eventually holes appear in them and then a yellowy mucus will start to come out
it is a parasite that burrows deep into the fishes body, this is usually caused by poor water quality or a bad diet, best thing to do would be to check the water and clean it if necessary, next check the food you are giving him for the best before date, there are loads of chemicals for treating hole in the head but if it has gone too far you may loose the fish which is infected.
this is not contagious as the parasite only attacks weaknd fish.


hope this helps

 

[harley]

I am continuing to treat w/ Melafix up 7 days, then 25% water change. Back to carbon filtration. I have been feeding Pepso Food for eliminating internal parisites as well. Thought this would be ok w/ Melafix since Melafix is more of a tonic than a prescriptive medication.

No change to the fish, not better or worse, so I will continue treatment this week.

I have not found any description that matches the condition of t his fish, from internet search or from my book "Manual of Fish Health" by Andrews, Exell and Carrington.

Thanks for the repies so far. I will update to report on progress.

 

[mashimaro_0000]

I am continuing to treat w/ Melafix up 7 days, then 25% water change. Back to carbon filtration. I have been feeding Pepso Food for eliminating internal parisites as well. Thought this would be ok w/ Melafix since Melafix is more of a tonic than a prescriptive medication.

No change to the fish, not better or worse, so I will continue treatment this week.

I have not found any description that matches the condition of t his fish, from internet search or from my book "Manual of Fish Health" by Andrews, Exell and Carrington.

Thanks for the repies so far. I will update to report on progress.

Melafix may not really work in this case... this medication only works with light to mild problems..... but holes on the forehead based of what i heard its nasty. just keep trying what you are doign now~ lets just hope it will get well too.... good luck

 

[Tammy2080]

here are two websites which have information on hole in the head

as the parasite is internal conventional parasite treatments wont work, ive lost two fish to this, and it is one of the worst problems you can get

you can buy treatment for hole in the head, ive seen it in the shops. but I don't know if it works.......I diagnosed my two goumis too late
from what ive seen though it is not contagious


http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/hdhith.htm

http/www.aquarium-design.com/fish/hlle.html - this site says that there is no cause but most websites say that it is parasitic

hope your fish gets better