Blue Gourmi

Question
I have two Blue Gourmi's for about six months. I have notice one of the gourmis has developed a black large color change to it left front side.  Is this normal or is this fish sick?

Answer
Hi Randy,
  Is it asymmetrical, i.e., only on the left front and not on the right front.  Is it very distinctly edged but not in a way that matches the rest of the color pattern?  If so, it sounds like nerve damage.  We don't know how or why this happens and it needn't be a problem for a long time.  I have seen it occasionally in cichlids but never in an gourami before.  If it is nerve damage, there is nothing you can (or should) do about it.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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