What are these white dots?

[Hybridfish7]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

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

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'm inclined to believe they're not (columnaris induced) epistylis given
1. This tank has been isolated from the rest of my tanks for like a year
2. The fish seems fine with it and I'm not sure how long it's been like that
3. The dots lie flat on the body and seem to be a uniform size
The thing that throws me off is how the dots don't show up at certain angles. They definitely don't just look like messed up scales... I think?

 

[Hybridfish7]

I'm inclined to believe they're not (columnaris induced) epistylis given
1. This tank has been isolated from the rest of my tanks for like a year
2. The fish seems fine with it and I'm not sure how long it's been like that
3. The dots lie flat on the body and seem to be a uniform size
The thing that throws me off is how the dots don't show up at certain angles. They definitely don't just look like messed up scales... I think?

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May also be worth noting that it is not on the fins at all. I just need to know if it's ich. If it's ich I don't need to worry.

With things like epistylis and columnaris, if the fish is put into a healthy system with proper circulation by accident, theoretically speaking would it not be a threat to existing fish given the bacteria/suspended organic material isn't at a level where either will colonize the fish?

Even with ich as well I know a healthy system will eat stray parasites in the reproductive/growing stage.

 

[Deadeye]

Pics aren’t super clear, but maybe lymphocytosis?
It almost does look like damaged scales based on size and location though. It would be consistent with the fin damage.

 

[duanes]

I'd add 3 lbs of salt per 100 gals, without raising the temp.
For sajica that salinity wouldn't do any harm, and by not raising water temp, if it were Epistylis, wouldn't fire up bacteria, the way heat does.

 

[Hybridfish7]

Pics aren’t super clear, but maybe lymphocytosis?
It almost does look like damaged scales based on size and location though. It would be consistent with the fin damage.

I wouldn't say lymphocystis, that would be more clustered/bubbly looking... I'm hoping it's just scale damage since they were all chasing eachother around in the growout

I'd add 3 lbs of salt per 100 gals, without raising the temp.
For sajica that salinity wouldn't do any harm, and by not raising water temp, if it were Epistylis, wouldn't fire up bacteria, the way heat does.

There are tetras, loaches, plecos and Crossocheilus in the tank, are these of any concern with that amount of salt? I'm certainly cautious with tetras and salt as not washing baby brine shrimp has killed tetras for me before.

 

[duanes]

All depends on the tetra, and Pleco species.
Astyanax, Roeboides tetras, Chaetestoma and common plecos, all very hard water tolerant, so no problem.....but
those more recently imported wild types from northern S American black, and soft water rivers might be more sensitive, like Rio Negro, or Orinoco.

 

[Hybridfish7]

All depends on the tetra, and Pleco species.
Astyanax, Roeboides tetras, Chaetestoma and common plecos, all very hard water tolerant, so no problem.....but
those more recently imported wild types from northern S American black, and soft water rivers might be more sensitive, like Rio Negro, or Orinoco.

Bristlenose and black skirts
Loaches fine?

 

[duanes]

Bristlenose and black skirts are usually hardy and can handle 3 ppt salinty, especially if locally bred.
Collerteral damage is always a risk though,
and there is also the chance unless the disease is dealt with now, it may eventually and get them anyway.