Parrot Fish - White Spot

Question

Fish Spot   Hi Ms. Fields,
I have 3 parrot fish and 5 corydoras.

One of the parrot fish has had a fuzzy white spot directly on top of his head for a couple of months. It also looks like he may have a similar spot underneath but it's difficult to get a good look.  I haven't seen anything on the other fish.

I've had the fish for a year - my mother gave him to me because one of her fish took a bite out of his back left side. The bite mark is still visible; I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the spot on his head.

I'm not sure how to treat the spot - I've been doing more frequent water changes - the temperature stays around 77-78 degrees. I feed them floating pellets and flakes and have been giving them frozen blood worms for the past few weeks too.

They've always been shy fish so I really haven't noticed any significant change in behavior or color. If you could help diagnose the spot and recommend a treatment I would appreciate it as I haven't been able to find an exact match on the internet and struggling to determine appropriate treatment.

Thanks!
Kris

Answer
Hi Kris,
Thank you for the photo!

The spot definitely reminds me of an injury where a fungal infection has taken hold. Do you ever notice the parrot fish dashing around the tank and bumping its head on objects or ramming into decor? If he does this (as many cichlids are very easily spooked and will behave this way) it may be a wound that is constantly being re-opened.

Fungal infections appear in many forms; stringy, whispy, cottony, and  even flat patches.

The fact that the fish may be stressed could be preventing this wound/infection to heal. He most likely needs fungal treatment medication.

There is a type of fungus medication that I've had wonderful luck with in the past with treating even stubborn fungal infections. Its called 'Fungus Clear' by Jungle Brand. You can often find it at Wal-Mart and petstores alike. Its usually inexpensive but works well and in my experience is gentle on the fish. It'll be little fizzy tablets so measurements are very easy.

One question too, does he stand on his head like this a lot? Or was that just in the photo? That's a classic parrot fish behavior and position when they are really scared/stressed or ill.

You are doing a very good thing by changing out the water. This is vital with any illness and the most important key to good fish health.

The best way I have found to successfully treat infections is to (despite medication instructions)change out at least 30-50% of the water every other day and redose the fungus clear. Now I know the medication instructions may say not to change the water. But you must be careful that pollutants don't build up which will stress the fish further and may reduce the effectiveness of some medications' ingredients.

Normally I would continue treatment for as long as the symptoms are present.

Melafix is an alternative natural fish medication made out of tea tree oil. It has a quite strong but pleasant scent and can be effective for some fungal and bacterial infections. You can also easily find it in the fish section at most stores like wal-mart. I have used it before with good results but it may not be powerful enough if we are dealing with a really stubborn infection. However it is indeed an option if you don't want to start strong medications right away.
My recommended treatment routine for this medication is the same as for Fungus Clear. Water changes at least every other day and re-dose after each water change.

Its quite a shame to see such a pretty fish with this issue!
I hope he gets better and I hope this helps!!
Susan~