Flowerhorn having an issue

[Flowerhorn127]

Hi everyone! I bought a flowerhorn a week and a half ago and it's been having some issues. First of all, I thought my tank was cycled but it apparently isn't. I'm working on that right now and doing water changes often. I have also noticed a strange number of small holes in his head. They are a bit like nostrils but there are lots of them. The holes are not white, the flowerhorn is not lethargic and acting normally, there is no stringy white poo but he is bloated and losing color. He also has visible veins in his head and his head is growing rapidly. Does it sound like he has HITH? Here are some pics:

His second half was black at the fish store but now it's light grey? Does my flowerhorn seem okay?

 

[Rocksor]

HITH typical has a whitish appearance when it is still active. The loss of color is more likely due to the uncycled tank. How did you test your water? Liquid tests? What were the numbers? What size is this tank? What water conditioner are you using?

 

[Flowerhorn127]

HITH typical has a whitish appearance when it is still active. The loss of color is more likely due to the uncycled tank. How did you test your water? Liquid tests? What were the numbers? What size is this tank? What water conditioner are you using?

For testing the water I am using an API test kit. The number were 0.25 annomina, 0 nirtitres and 10 nitrates. The tank is 55 gallons. I am using Seachem Prime water conditioner.

 

[Flowerhorn127]

Also, he seems to be suffering from constipation. I will soon give him an Epson Salt bath. Should I de-worm him just in case? What should I do about the holes? Just leave them be?

 

[Charney]

probably best to correct and stabilize the water quality. This may clear up many of the issues. once the tank is stable I would deworm