Help with Armatus: slime coat or something else?

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marmot

marmot

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 25, 2007
151
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Ohio
After acquiring Jason's Hydrolycus Armatus and putting him in the tank, I noticed a great deal of his scales on the top portion of his back came off when I transferred him to the tank from the temporary transit box. he was thrashing around so heavily that I had to hold him relatively firmly, or else he'd just break through my grip. The fish is an absolute beast; very strong for 12 inches.

He was introduced into my 75 gallon quarantine tank on Saturday night, and there was no whitish slime covering the area with missing scales. Sunday there was a hint of it, and today it's very clear and I felt I had to get advice or reassurance so I could stop it from getting worse. It's opaque, and doesn't (to me) look like a fungal infection, but I want to be sure with the dosh I have invested in this fish. Also, the whitish slime is localized only to where there are missing scales.

let me know what you guys think. Also, have you ever heard of a fish's scales rubbing/falling off this easily? The Hydrolycus species has very small and delicate scales, but I still wouldn't think they would rub off as easily as they did.

[EDIT] I have been treating with salt, and changed about 30% of the water yesterday.

Pictures::nilly:

slime-1.jpg

slime-2.jpg

slime-3.jpg
 
Bump the temp up to 87. Dose with one table spoon of salt per 3gallons. Add half tonight and half in the AM. Leave for 24-48hours until signs of improvement then 25% waterchange.

I think he should heal fine. How is his breathing and activity levels?
 
His breathing is fine, and he honestly is not acting odd at all, unless you consider having a serious ego problem acting weird. Still bossing the pedestrian riffraff around.

I don't think it's a problem honestly, looks like slime coat, but I had to be sure...

I'll do all the salt reccomendations and report back soon.
 
Remember not to do all the salt at once. Also if you see improvement in the AM dont add more...maybe half of what I said in the AM.

Have you tried feeding him yet?
 
I was going to try tonight actually. Think I should go ahead with it? I was thinking of using your method with the fishing line just to pique his interest and make it a little more familiar...
 
oh i like this fish as well. i havent seen any of them around here. does look like slime coat problem. but raise the temp any way. I used to have bunches of mollies and guppies when i was unger, and i once had a fish get the "fuzzies" i dont know the proper term but it was like mold or something growing on them, it was odd. but it progressed rapidly, and then i ddint know what i know now. good luck
 
Dustin, go ahead and try feeding.

If he eats that is even more insurance he will be fine.

I trust your H20 quality is good, but with that bump in temp and a good addition of salt you will minimize the risk of a secondary infection.
 
In some areas it looks like the white film is starting to peel off, and the skin/tissue beneath is showing the slightest bit. Do you think this is positive? This is happening right at the edges where his scales start and where his scales were rubbed off.

I'll try to get a decent picture up today.
 
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