New Threadfin Geophagus Health Issue/Abnormality???

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EccelaEkaj

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Nov 19, 2016
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Have you tested your water?
Yes
If yes, what is your ammonia?
0
If yes, what is your nitrite?
0
If yes, what is your nitrate?
10
If I did not test my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.
Do you do water changes?
Yes
What percentage of water do you change?
21-30%
How frequently do you change your water?
Every week
If I do not change my water...
  1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.
I just bought this Threadfin Geo from a local fish store and I am assuming it was surrendered from a previous owner as it was in a tank of all gold severums no other geos and it’s pretty big bout 4 inches i’d say. However I noticed on its face it looks as if his face is melting and i noticed 3 little holes on top of his head? Any idea? He seems perfectly fine VERY active and eating. 3C672595-9A60-47C6-9854-68574581D17E.jpeg3C672595-9A60-47C6-9854-68574581D17E.jpeg9FF0BC18-BC8C-4E59-AAED-12184D7CC257.jpeg3C672595-9A60-47C6-9854-68574581D17E.jpeg

9FF0BC18-BC8C-4E59-AAED-12184D7CC257.jpeg
 
tlindsey tlindsey duanes duanes Could this be HITH? His appetite seems normal
 
Looks like the beginnings of hith. Googled pics of heckelli and don’t have those pits on the head. Increase your water changes. Feed a good pellet along with some metroplex or hex shield. Reduce stress from any potential aggressive tank mates. Check ur water for hard water as well. Keep nitrates to less than 20ppm. Best of luck.
 
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I agree it looks like hith. I have found that this species will reach about 4inches and then start to suffer if not kept in soft acidic water. If your water is on the hard side I would soften it or forget keeping this species.
 
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kno4te said:
Looks like the beginnings of hith. Googled pics of heckelli and don’t have those pits on the head. Increase your water changes. Feed a good pellet along with some metroplex or hex shield. Reduce stress from any potential aggressive tank mates. Check ur water for hard water as well. Keep nitrates to less than 20ppm. Best of luck.
Click to expand...
Agree with this. They seem to be prone to HLLE when stressed. I tried to keep my tanks nitrate levels at no more than 5ppm, the waters they come from are almost nitrate free, due to the surrounding terrestrial vegetation sending roots into the river constantly removing it. They are found in white water, black water, and clear water rivers, so seem able to tolerate varying water types as long as they are pristine, and warm.
Although adding tannins seasonally helps.


As they mature they get very hard on each other if not given enough space , to the point of stressing each other to death.
In the end I believe my 150 gal was too small for a shoal of six, although they never bothered other species, only each other(and in a very subtle sort of aggression). If the previous owner had a shoal in anything under a 200+ gallon tank, Im not surprised it was turned in.
 
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Well the holes were present when I got him so his previous environment must have been stressful. I do 50% weekly water changes and have started feeding him hex shield. no tank mates that bother him other than occasional go away from gold severum. I’ll keep everyone updated.
 
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should i separate him with a divider until the problems solved ? Also is there a normal length of time HITH takes to heal?
 
EccelaEkaj said:
should i separate him with a divider until the problems solved ? Also is there a normal length of time HITH takes to heal?
Click to expand...
You can separate it to watch for it now. No time of length. The holes can shrink and still have some
remnants behind. Likely will still be there.
 
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kno4te said:
You can separate it to watch for it now. No time of length. The holes can shrink and still have some
remnants behind. Likely will still be there.
Click to expand...
Alright I’ll keep it in mind but i think I’ll leave him with everyone for now he’s not stressed with them and he’s eating well so if I see things turn for the worse i’ll separate him??
 
Or will it ever time for the worst? I know it’s rarely fatal so does the fish ever get to a point where it stops eating like many other diseases? Become more lethargic? I’m new to this disease.
 
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