Parasite

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Cloudk

Cloudk

Candiru
MFK Member
Oct 25, 2010
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Swimming in a mountain river
Hello, I was wondering if there was such thing as a black parasite, that sits on a fishes fin, doesn't spread to other types of fish, and causes no apparent health problems? I think that's what's on my oscars fin. Its had it for a few weeks now, and whatever it is, hasn't spread to any of the other 6 fish, it doesn't seem to be growing, and the fish is behaving normally. Thanks, hope to get an answer soon! :)
 
This is the best i could do, of 10min of oscar pictures. He HAD to know what i was doing;) It's right on the edge of his fin.

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If its an external parasite (which I've not heard of that's black) I would pull the fish out of the tank, and pull it off. Then dab fin area with peroxide or iodine.

The only thing I can think, would be argulus (fish lice) which is dark brown, but rarely on fins.. or a leech.
 
I was thinking of taking him out and doing that. It looks like it could just b wiped off. Its not a leech, I can tell you that for certain. Well, not a normal one anyways. It doesn't move around like its alive. It almost behaves like mold on cheese. Just a spot, sitting there. I might try taking him out tomarrow and see if I can rub it off. Can I cut it off, just a small triangle? I mean its a small part of his fin, and not like fins never get damaged. And if it is a parasite, I gotta get it all. Any thoughts on cutting out the small portion of fin to be through?
 
Sorry, comp crashed.. haha.

I would take him out, and try to pull/scrape it off first.. if it doesn't come off, then you can snip it, and wipe the wound with iodine.
 
I would snip the dark section of fin off, rather than treat it, watever it is will be completely gone and it will grow back in no time, I really doubt it would Hurt him too
 
So, took him out, tried to pull it off, it just kinda broke apart, but there was a part of it embedded in the fin(so parasite confirmed?). So I had to cut out a little triangle. I felt so bad I had to take him out :( poor guy was flopping all over. Whole thing took about 2-3min, total to catch and return him. He's recovering righ now. Poor guy. He's moving around, and breathing fine, just being kinda slow and not too interested in eating. His mate is worried about him, swimming around protecting him. But I think he'll be fine soon, and seemingly no worse for the wear. I'm glad no on else has it.
 
Bump the temp up a little, and add a bit of salt, and he will be good to go.
 
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