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Parrot Fish- Skin Peeling

23 11:45:47

Question
QUESTION: I have a male Parrot (orange/pink color) who looks like his skin is peeling (mainly around his head area).  He's got some what looks like water bubbles on his tail but it doesn't look like ich nor do any of the other fish have anything going on.  I'm trying to figure out how to treat him since there are no fish vets around.

ANSWER: Hi Claire,
Check your water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.  Ammonia is the number on killer of fish, and when there is ammonia in your water, this burns fish skin, and causes many diseases, and eventually death.  Check your water to see if this is the case. Write back to me to let me know your ammonia level, and the size of your tank so I can help you more.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Also...i have a small female parrot and she looks fine.  She stayed at the bottom of the tank, under a  house of rocks she's made.  Is that odd one would have this and the other doesn't?

Answer
Hi Claire,
Blood Parrots usually do this.  Sometimes, it is because they are breeding, but they never have fry because the male is sterile, and sometimes they just move the gravel around.  The other one might not be doing this because he is sick.  Have you checked your ammonia, and nitrite level?  This is so important.  It is one of the main causes of fish death.  If you do have ammonia, do not change all the water.  Depending on the ammonia you have, I will tell you what to do next.  Changing all the water would make matters worse as you must keep good bacteria in your tank.  I hope this isn't the reason, but I want to make sure it isn't because putting medication in a tank that has ammonia, or nitrites would be deadly.
Lynda