Red Spots On Red Hook

[finchfarm]

I have had a Red Hook for some time now, I'd estimate that he is almost 12 years old.

For as long as I can remember he has had these red spots/splotches on him. I know they're not supposed to be there, and they don't seem to be bothering him any, and none of my other fish have them. No one has been able to tell me what they are, but I now have a means in which I can post pictures online, whereas I didn't before.

I'm curious as to what the spots might be, even though they haven't seem to have caused him any problems. What are your thoughts?



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[thereverendturtle]

I've seen others with similar spots, I don't think its anything to worry about. He's a beautiful fish. They might be a certain population that develop the spots or it could be a different species.

 

[finchfarm]

Thanks. I didn't think it was anything major as none of the other fish have gotten it and it doesn't seem to bother him.

I did show the picture on my phone to the folks at my LFS and they thought it may be contusions from him hitting the glass in the tank..... which is something he does frequrently when frightened. So the posibility of bruising wouldn't surprise me either.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Older ones seem to develop the spots, they are usually more of a rust color, but I have seen them red. I diet high in beta carotene will intensify the color.