texas disease

Question
Excuse me but i as wondering if you could tell me what type of disease my texas chiclid has. it has about 50 black round balls on it's underside, they are quite small but noticeable. if you could tell me what it is this would be much appreciated
Thanks

Answer
Hi Thomas
I've had to look up an answer before reguarding black spots.  So, I have this link saved, look under Black Spot:

http://www.angelfire.com/poetry/canadasangel/FishDiseases.html

I don't think it sounds like the ammonia burns part of that, ammonia burns generally don't look like spots.  Usually a black patch on the fish.  But, I do think the trematodes can be possibly what you're seeing.  It's not common, but not uncommon, if that makes any sense.  It would definitely show up more so on a wild caught fish, or fish kept outside in ponds.  So, not sure on the history or background of your fish, but it's a possibility.  Unfortunately, there's not a lot of info out there on that topic, I know I've read a few other sites reguarding trematodes, but don't have them saved.

Another possibility, some Texas cichlids do get a black color on their belly when they're going into "breeding mode".  I've never had a Texas cichlid, so I can't say for sure what that would look like, but I would imagine it looks more like a patchy area-like the ammonia burns, covering their belly area, like this photo:

http://www.gcca.net/fom/Hericthys_carpintis.htm

as opposed to the "black round balls" that you're describing.  

Here's another link I found regarding the trematodes, scroll down on the page to -Digenetic or Digenean Trematodes-, that site gives a better description for it:

http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/trematodes.shtml

I think that describes more what you're saying it is.  As for treatment, that site says no treatment.  But, I would probably recommend a medicated, anti parasite food, especially one that contains praziquantel.  Not sure if it would work, but my opinion would be your best bet because it gets the meds inside the fish.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Christy