Red spots on tail

[Matt]

I need you valuable help again.
I have two Pseudotropheus Albino's in my 240L tank. Yesterday I discoverd that both of them had small red blood like spots on the tail fins, but no where else. Today I have also noticed that the tip of one of there tail fin seems to be split and slightly fraid. Apart from that they are eating and swimming as normal, the only difference in there behaviour is that one of them is digging in the gravel more, as though trying to make some sort of nest. None of the other fish in the tank have any signs of the red spots and are all acting normally. I have not added anything to the tank for a long time and so cannot understand why this has happened. I have listed my water parameters below, if you can helpm please let me know as they are my favorite fish and I don't want to lose them.

Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 30ppm (Local tap water 20-30ppm)
ammonia 0ppm
PH 7.8

 

[Tanked]

I have scoured the web looking up an answer for you and have come up dry, sorry m8. I'd keep a very close eye on them though as red spots may be the beginning of body ulcers.

 

[Matt]

Thanks for looking Tanked. I will keep an eye on them, I just hope it turns out to be nothing.

 

[dolphin]

Hi Matt

I have also drawn a blank. Sorry.

 

[Matt]

Thanks for trying to help. I don't know what to do, the red spots have turned into small red bumps. They look like they are dried blood on the surface of the skin and they have spread to the body as well. Anyone else have any idea's.

 

[Tanked]

sounds like ulcers. I'd seperate the affected fish so i does not spread and begin an antibiotic treatment

 

[Matt]

Thanks Tanked

Unfortunately I don't have another tank to put them in, will it be alright to treat them all together? Do you have any recommendation for which traetment to use?

 

[Tanked]

it will be ok, just a little stress for the unaffected fish, as far a a medicine to use depends on which side of the pond your on.

could be body fungus (following from the diseases section of fish.orbust.net)
Body Fungus Body Fungus is just that, fungus. It will attack your fish's skin and cause ulcers or death in extreme cases. Large amounts of organic materials such as decaying food or fish waste can cause a breakout of fungus in your aquarium. Open wounds can develop fungus. The fungi feeds by excreting digestive enzymes which if it’s on the fish, slowly digests parts of the fish. Though cured easily, if the fish doesn't get prompt treatment it will surely die. Secondary infections are also common.
Symptoms: White or grayish patches appear on the skin or gills that look like cotton or wool.
Treatment: Either purchase a treatment from your local fish/pet store specifically for fungus or buy an all round antibacterial treatment such as Melafix.
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or here is some info from fishdoc.co.uk

Disease treatments

an overview of how treatments work, why they often don't work and why they sometimes kill fish.

Disease treatment basics

When you have fish health problems, this guide details the steps to take, and what to do if it isn't possible to make a definitive diagnosis.

Antibiotics

are an important treatment option against bacterial diseases if they are used properly.

Injecting antibiotics

gives the best results against bacterial infections - especially when dealing with severe cases.

Antibiotic baths

and dips are not generally as effective as antibiotics given by injection. Baths and dips may however, be useful for surface infections.

Dimilin

Effective treatment against anchor worm (Lernaea) and possibly fish lice (Argulus)

Medicated food

is a useful option for treating bacterial disease, but it does have some disadvantages.

Topical treatments

can be very effective against bacterial diseases - especially when used in conjunction with antibiotics

Chloramine-T

Can be tricky to use - but is effective against some parasites - it can also assist in gill problems.

Copper

a treatment for marine parasites.

Malachite green and formalin

an all-round anti-parasite treatment, especially good for white spot.

Organophosphates

the "bad boy" of treatments - but the best treatment for the "difficult" parasites such as Argulus.

Potassium permanganate

an effective treatment against many parasites, especially Trichodina. Can be useful for bacterial problems and disinfecting nets etc.

Quaternary ammonium compounds: (QACs)

useful for gill disease - as it acts as a mild disinfectant with detergent action to remove debris.

Salt

The fish keeper's standby for parasites, gill congestion and osmoregulation problems. It's safe, and cheap

 

[Matt]

Thanks once again Tanked for all of your great advice. The only thing that I cannot get me head round is why it has only affected my two Pseudotropheus Albino's and nothing else. I will visit a shop tonight to get some treatment.

Thanks

Matt

 

[kevin007]

my bronze cory used to have these red spots on him, i mean her, and then i finally noticed that it was gone, i personnally think that is blood, maybe she was sraped or niped, but now everything is fine.

Kev

 

[Matt]

Thanks Kevin007

I have started a course of antibactirial treatment just in case. But the spots are starting to fade.

 

[Tanked]

glad to here the spots are going away!!! good news

 

[Matt]

I spoke too soon. The red spots that appeared to be fading are still on both of the Albino's with no signs of getting better. I have also noticed that ther are a few more on both fish. The strange thing is that both fish seem to be fine apart from the spots. I have been given them the anti-bacterial treatment but it is not helping, the problem itself must be species related as all of the other fish are still fine. Has anyone got any new idea's? I couldn't bear to lose one of them.

Matt

 

[bigfish]

How often do you carry out water changes or gravel clean your tank?

I had the same problem but on guppies but sadly they didnt make it. Would addition of salt be benefical?

I'm not familar with tha breed and if they can tolrate salt.

Hang on mate maybe someone else can help you.

 

[bigfish]

If they are Albino catfish (corys) then DON'T ADD SALT!!!!!!!