Question
Blood Parrot with whit
We have a 75 gallon tank with a blue crayfish, 4 silver dollars, two severums (one quite larger than the other fish) and (now) one blood parrot, which is starting to develop several small (<1mm) white lesions on its fin (which is visibly torn) and body, including its eyes. Today we found our firemouth dead with no preceding illness, and a couple of weeks ago our other blood parrot began with the same white lesions, became lethargic, and eventually died. We treated the tank for Ich when the first blood parrot became ill (after isolating the crayfish), to no avail. We have had these same fish in the same tank for at least 3 years now, with no problems. What are these white lesions? Are these killing our fish, or are these spots the product of fighting in the tank? I have attached an image, where you can see the spots on the dorsal fin, but the spots on the body aren't really visible. Thanks for your help.
AnswerHi Shelly
It's tough to identify exactly what is going on, but it is not Ich. It actually looks and sounds like there has been some fighting, especially if the fins are torn and it is only one or two fish in the tank with this problem. Both the Severums and the Crayfish would attack less aggressive fish such as the Parrots and the Firemouth. Firemouths, depending on their size, are usually able to hold their own. The Crayfish would generally not attack a much larger aggressive fish unless it was weak already.
I will tell you, and keep in mind this is my own personal opinion of which many both agree and disagree with me... Crayfish do NOT belong in a tank with tropical fish. These little creatures do make interesting pets, but belong in a tank to themselves. If for no other reason, you have to find a temporary home for them should you need to treat your tank for any reason. I would start by putting the Crayfish in a home of his own.
Another thing to remember when keeping aggressive Cichlids together, it is best to have them all of similar size, and to buy them small and let them grow up together. Blood Parrots really don't belong in an aggressive Cichlid tank, they are more suitable for a semi-aggressive tank.
The next thing to do is a complete tank maintenance...30% water change and clean the gravel, replace the carbon in your filter.
Then treat the tank with Pimafix. Pimafix cures a wide range of internal and external infections including injuries. The treatment is generally for seven days, but follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
Hope this helps you, good luck!
Richard
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