Is my Leopard Bushfish Sick?

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Have you tested your water?

No

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.

Hey y'all! I just got a beautiful pair of leopard bush fish yesterday, and I find the larger (possibly male, so I will call it male until further confirmation) male is very slow and dull in coloration. I've also noticed that he has lost a few scales since he moved into my tank.

I'm concerned about him because I don't want to lose a brand new fish in my tank, especially such a beautiful fish as a bushfish. He likes to stay in the bottom corner with my syno and other catfish rather than swim around the top or middle like the smaller "female."

Is it expected behavior? Should I be concerned or leave him alone, watch his behavior closely, and hope he is ok?

Here are some pictures to help:

Smaller female:



Larger Male:


In these pictures, you can tell the "female" is very bright and robust looking while the male looks like a leaf lol. Should I just give it time?

Many thanks for considering my request.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Hey y'all! I think my Bushfish may still be sick...here are some new pictures from this morning:



I've noticed that he has been shedding scales a bunch. Not in an excessive amount, but a potentially concerning amount.

 

[Cal Amari]

I've not kept them and can't say if he's sick or not, but may be stress from the new digs. Try dimming the lights, add more cover, floating plants, even fake ones can help calm a lot of fish.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

I know that y'all don't have much experience treating Leopard Bushfish specifically, but can anyone give me something regarding sickness in general? I'm leaving for a week-long vacation to Indianapolis tomorrow, leaving my mom to care for the fish. I already have a plan for her to care for the fish, but I'm scared about losing my bushfish while I'm gone because she doesn't know how to change water or in general know anything about fish. I plan on doing a water change today (hopefully).

And update on condition: Acting normal (ig?), eats little, tends to stay in one spot on the bottom during the day. White spots are still on the largest one, and the smaller one is starting to get faint spots.

Any help will be appreciated!

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Wait a second...so...my larger bushfish is adult. Do fish turn grayish as adults, like humans do as they age? Is that what is happening with my fish, just simple aging?

 

[tlindsey]

have a plan for her to care for the fish,

I wouldn't worry about it. Tbh your Mother will follow your instructions so if anything happens and hopefully it doesn't don't blame her.

 

[tlindsey]

my larger bushfish is adult.

Yes

Do fish turn grayish as adults

Yes some fish will change color as they age.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

I wouldn't worry about it. Tbh your Mother will follow your instructions so if anything happens and hopefully it doesn't don't blame her.

No I won't blame her, I would blame myself if anything happens. But Lord willing nothing will happen.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Yes

Yes some fish will change color as they age.

Maybe my bushfish is just old, that would alleviate many of my fears.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Unfortunately, the disease is spreading, and now the Oscar has it. I'm going to try aquarium salt. I think it's a fungal infection as it is white clumps and fuzzy, mainly around the front end of the body.