weather loach

Question














I have a weather loach he's about 5yrs old and has always been in good health,but recently has developed a red soft growth on his mouth that is getting larger. I am concerned about this and need to know what i can put in the water to treat it, i always keep the water clean and he seems happy with his tank that is a good size. It has a small filter that i also keep clean.I would be grateful if you could offer any advice as i have never seen this on any of my previous loaches.

thanks jane  

Answer
Hi Jane,
  Mouth problems can be caused by several things.  First on the list is fighting.  Has he been fighting with anybody?  

  The second thing is that he might have scratched it on something sharp. Is that possible?  

  The solution for the first two problems are prevention and to give him time to heal (after removing the original cause).  Putting chemicals in the water are unlikely to help and could easily aggravate the problem.

  It could also be some sort of tumor. There is no solution for that
unfortunately.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>