Need opinions fron experienced cichla guys.

[jowens]

I have an 8" Orino that I've had for 6+ months now, since he (she?) was about 3". He lives in a 125 by himself, gets a 50% weekly water change, and eats mostly FD krill, with some tetra cichld sticks mixed in when I can slip them by him. He gets an occasional, gut loaded giant danio. He also gets Kent Zoe as a vitamin supplement occasionally.

This tank has been set up for several years. The water tests at around 7.0 pH, no ammonia or nitrite, and nitrate is undetectable with a dip strip test. Temp fluctuates between 82 and 84.

Here is the problem. At several points on his dorsal fin, the soft ray between the hard spines have recessed, resulting in the adjacent hard spines stand out. He also has one area like this on one of his dorsal fins.

I don't think that it is getting worse, but is definitely not getting better. There is no white margin or sign of infection. The fish appears super healthy. He is very personable and eats like, well, a cichla.

It is possible that these areas were originally damaged by other cichla that he was originally housed with. I just don't remember noticing them when he was small.

I assume that this is just superficial damage that has not grown back. I just want to make sure that something I have not thought of isn't at work.

Anyone had a similar experience?

Justin

 

[fish junkie]

i have a similar situation but mine is housed with festea and trimac and oscar there is a constant power trip going on in the tank but while mine is most likely from aggression you have an interesting question im gonna guess nutrients and that is merely a geuss based on the fact that cichla are piscovores i fed my gt cichlid sticks im not so sure if they arent just a waste of money lol my gt wastes twice as much as he eats

 

[Danh]

It doesn't sound like much to worry about. Get some pics for us.

 

[channarox]

sounds like damage from another fish.
ive had it happen repeatedly and it always grew back fine.

 

[haynchinook334]

I got the same thing. I only notice it when after feeding. The bass hits its dorsal fins on the tank cover. Its mostly happends on the front not so much on the back of the dorsal fin.

 

[High City Rida]

Normal for hungry super fast fish to injure themselves. You never did state how much water you change but that will speed up recovery by increasing the amount and frequency of WC. GL> And yes I have this problem often!

 

[jowens]

Here is a pic, though not the best.

Looking through old photos, it was much less noticable in the past. Seems to be getting more pronounced as he grows. I have thought about damage from the top. Maybe I should try lowering the water level.

 

[West1]

it sounds like a case of... "Time to upgrade his home"

To me it looks like the problem is the width of your tank. Tank looks great, water seems clear, Orino looks healthy... it might just be him running into the glass at night... not enough space to turn maybe?/

Just a guess

 

[jowens]

it sounds like a case of... "Time to upgrade his home"

To me it looks like the problem is the width of your tank. Tank looks great, water seems clear, Orino looks healthy... it might just be him running into the glass at night... not enough space to turn maybe?/

Just a guess

I kinda figure that a tank with a width of 18" is sufficicent for an 8" fish. Don't see how that could damage his dorsal anyway.

 

[jimmie1974]

18" width, your fine for now imo, could've been anything. To be honest with you I dont think it looks bad at all, he looks very healthy