Is this tiny BGK sick, stressed or? (no black on face)

[sti888]

I saw this BGK at PETCO he is missing black on his face and alittle on his body..It's like raw or something..maybe ammonia burn? or sick? I don't know but i bought him to try and fix him up..He is tiny about 3 inches.

Can anyone tell me whats up? Every pic i see they are black even at this size? The tanks next to him said under observation and alot of fish were dead.

 

[swede]

The tanks next to him said under observation and alot of fish were dead.

bad sign. the thing about those big pet stores is they have the same water running into multiple tanks. so if the fish next to his tank were sick, chances are his water was going through the same filtration

 

[sti888]

Yes...But whats the issue? I never had a BGK and don't know what would cause him to look like this? I picked him up yesturday and observed him overnight and he is swimming around sifting and stuff..He looks a little bit better. Should i put something in the tank? Maybe alittle salt or stress coat( maybe the aloe vera misght help sooth?)

 

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

Hope he gets better :S
They're very neat fish

 

[dark_knights_99]

Yes...But whats the issue? I never had a BGK and don't know what would cause him to look like this? I picked him up yesturday and observed him overnight and he is swimming around sifting and stuff..He looks a little bit better. Should i put something in the tank? Maybe alittle salt or stress coat( maybe the aloe vera misght help sooth?)

If he is eating well, just give him salt and use heater.

 

[sti888]

Well the rawness is not as bad and appears to be darkening back up slightly...I did see him eat a bloodworm last night.

 

[bigcol]

I love these fish, just aint got the room for 1 atm, I think i will be making room soon though as my lfs has just got some sweet babys in

 

[johnuskglass]

I'd say be careful or no on the salt suggestion for the BGK. Without scales they're extra sensitive to salt and medications.

 

[Toby_H]

If he is eating well, just give him salt and use heater.

Salt is not recommended for use on tanks with scaless fish... BGKs are scaless fish... Some medications are also not suitable for scaless fish...

My advice is very clean water... possibly subdued lighting to reduce the potential for stress...

 

[benzjamin13]

Well the rawness is not as bad and appears to be darkening back up slightly...I did see him eat a bloodworm last night.

Sounds like it's making a recovery. Just keep an eye on it. While scaless fish may be sensitive to Medications and Salt, I would recommend salt. The recommended dose is 1 Tablespoon for every 5 gallons. So, I'd just go 1 Tablespoon for every 10 gallons.