algae growing on my fish?

[snookman]

I have a 10" red bay snook that is normally a good shade of pink/red. I have pics of her very healthy in the gallery of my profile. I noticed today that she has developed some brown spots/smudges that look like algae or something similar. She used to have these colors when she was a lot smaller but grew out of it. Her red/pink is a little faded as well and I've noticed a slight temperament change. She's usually a little more agressive toward my yellow perch (Not overly) and hasn't been chasing like usual for the last 24-48hrs. Here's a few pics so that someone may be able to help. (Sorry about the low quality pics...not a great camera) All help appreciated.

 

[phillydog1958]

It's probably a fungus.

 

[snookman]

Is this a guess or is this something you have direct experience with?

Justin

 

[Lupin]

Algae? No.
Fungus? No.

I see no evidence of fungal infection. What are your water parameters? This simply looks like part of its body coloration to me. In some cases where black smudges are evident on the tissue, it's a healing tissue out of ammonia burns.

 

[smpage]

I thought it was a fungus as well but if Lupin says it's not then it's not!

 

[snookman]

As far as ammonia, nitrates and nitrites...all "0". I do about 50% water change every week religiously. No new inhabitants...temp at 78f.

Justin

 

[Lupin]

What test kit are you using?

Edit: I'll be right back possibly in an hour on this one. Have to prepare for work.

 

[knifegill]

Having 0 nitrAtes in a normal tank is scary. It usually implies that either your test kit failed you, or your tank is not cycled. You may want to test again.

 

[snookman]

I looked into my test kit and the strips were no good. I bought a new kit and there was ammonia...and a good amount. As I told before about my strict WC regimens, I looked for possible causes. I took out all rockwork (about 50lbs worth) and found what I believe to be regurgitated silversides of Lord knows how long ago. I always watch the food and make sure it gets eaten. I'm glad I found the issue though.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[aclockworkorange]

So then are we thinking this is healing tissue from ammonia burns as Lupin suggested?

Either way it's good you caught the ammonia!

What is your plan now? Dosing with Prime and water changes? I've had nothing but good results from Seachem Stability on messed up cycles.