bala shark looks different

Question
one of our 2 balas all of a sudden has a white head and 1 white spot on his back and 1 white spot on his top fin, but seems to be eating normal and acting normal.   is it ich or whats with his head turning white.

Answer
Hi Adam,
Usually ich characterizes itself as white spots very similar to grains of salt. And usually as if the fish had been sprinkled with it.

White patches on fish are fungal/bacterial in nature and should be treated ASAP. I would get Jungle Brand 'Fungus Clear' medication. Do a 50% water change before adding medication to start with clean water. Keep the temperature in the upper 70's or low eighties and treat for as long as the fish has symptoms. Doing a 50% water change every to every other day and redosing the medication afterward is important to maintain clean water conditions that promote a good immune system. (Always make sure to treat replacement water with a water conditioner and insure the temp is equal to or just a bit warmer than your tank's)

This goes against medication directions but I have found it to be very effective and not stressful to the fish in all cases and all had recovered. I just believe its very important to treat for as long as the fish shows symptoms rather than stop after a set amount of time while the fish still has leftovers that may come back at full force.

*Aquarium salt is also helpful to use along with medication for deterring fungus. Make sure to pre-dissolve it before adding to the tank.

Curing infections like this may take only a week. Depending upon the severity and stubbornness of the infection. It may take two weeks or even longer.

I do hope all goes well!!
Karen~