Fish has Black Stains on body

Question
Hi, First off great site appreciate the help you guys provide with
some people having questions about their fish. I took the liberty to take
some pics of him so you have an idea of what im talking about:

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/426/fish1yv7.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2686/fish2ue5.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1756/fish3xn2.jpg
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2685/fish4iu7.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5213/fish5pk5.jpg


As you can see he has these weird black stains on his Tail and fins as
of just this week they spread to his underbody as you can see on the
last pic and on his mouth as you can see on the others. I'ved had this
fish for 4-5 years now I have no clue what type of fish he is, People say
hes a goldfish but i dont think he is one. We have steralized his fish
tank and washed it constantly but it doesnt seem to come off. We
bought a bottle of some sort of medicine that its meant to cure cuts and
gashes as well as stains on fish but it hasnt helped even do i dont think
those black things are cuts. Im really worried as to what should i do,
any idea?

-Gerome

Answer
Hi Gerome.  Thanks for the pics, they helped.  I think what you have is some sort of Parrot Cichlid...in fact, I'm almost positive it is, but what type, i'm unsure.  You'd have to do some research on "Parrot Cichlids" and see if you can pick him out.  I was thinking a Jellybean Parrot Cichlid.  But definately one of them.  It is NOT a goldfish, I can tell you that much.

As far as the black.  This could be normal, or it could be a problem.  Some fish change color at any time, believe it or not.  I read something that this can be normal on Parrot Cichlids.  HOWEVER, it could also be ammonia poisoning.  Do you have a water test kit, or can you take a sample to your pet store and have them test your water parameters?  This is very important and you should have a Master Freshwater Test Kit to keep an eye on your water parameters.  It's how you can help keep them healthy.  Also, weekly tank maintenance with partial water changes is absolutely necessary in order to help keep your fish happy and healthy.

Please get back to me after you are able to get your water tested and let me know what the water parameters are.  In the meantime, I would perform tank maintenance, including vacuuming the gravel and a water change of 50% if you have not cleaned your tank within the last week.  After make sure you replace the water you took out with dechlorinated water at about the same temperature as what you took out.  After that, get back to me and let me know as much as you can about your water quality, tank cleaning schedule, if you found the type of fish, etc.  Also, if you have an airstone, I would turn it up on high (if not already) to make sure there is sufficient oxygen in the water.  Also, please let me know any other fish you have with him.

I'll wait to hear back from you.    ;o)