BLOOD PARROT WITH BLACK SPOTS

Question
I HAVE 2 BLOOD PARROT CICLIDS THAT ARE BOTH ABOUT 31/2" AND THEY DIDN'T COME FROM THE SAME PLACE, THE ORIGINAL ONE IS MORE DOMINATE TOWARDS THE OTHER ONE AND CONSTANTLY PUSHES AT IT AND NIPS AT ITS BODY AND FACE, THE ONE GETTING ABUSED ACTS FINE AND STILL HANGS AROUND THE OTHER ONE BUT IS FORMING THIS BLACK STUFF ON IT'S FACE AND FINS, ALMOST LIKE BLACK BRUISES. IV'E CHECKED THE WATER AND HAVE TREATED WITH MARYCYN AND DONE WATER CHANGES BUT THE ORANGE COLOR IS TURNING MORE BLACK! WHAT IS GOING ON? MAYBE I HAVE A MALE AND FEMALE? HELP!

Answer
Hi Tia,
 I would stop using the maracyn -- it won't help and could do a lot of damage.  

 The "spots" could easily be bruises.

 Also, keep in mind that parrot cichlids often change colors as they get older.  The color change is NOT associated with being male or female.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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