Polypterus Delhezi dead... what is this???

[Keeper of the Ropes]

My Del started off with a small hole between his eyes which progressed in a little less than a week into something a lot larger. He was still active, still had a big appetite. I grew VERY alarmed when I saw another fish in the same tank with the same symptoms starting, and got them both into a hospital tank today. He was fine when I left for work....

And now he's dead.

Is this real HITH? Something else? *ANY* input would be greatly appreciated.

Jessie*
KOTR

 

[Keeper of the Ropes]

Oh, wanted to add - The other fish that is starting to get the same symptoms is NOT active like the first. While the first was still all over the tank just a few hours ago and ate just yesterday, Cyclops is not moving *at all* - he has a filmish bubble over his existing eye as well, which may or may not be related. Though I guess that would explain why he doesn't move - if he can't see through the bubble he's completely, in affect, blind.

 

[Scorponok]

It's a classic hole-in-the-head disease, or HITH.

 

[Keeper of the Ropes]

Thanks for replying... Is it contagious? Also, the other fish that's still alive looks a lot different. It almost looks like his face is rotting off. Do you think it has HITH too? The hole isn't any bigger... yet.

Keeper*

 

[navygirl76]

this definately looks to me to be HITH. here is a good link to read:

http://www.flippersandfins.net/HITHarticle2.htm it was a sticky in the health forum i believe. HITH is caused by poor water quality (not doing weekly water changes) or sometimes its believed a lack in vitamins/minerals, feeding feeders, etc.

I would get liquid vitamins, add some antibiotics, and melafix with frequent waterchanges. Read that sticky, it has some really good advice--hope your little guy gets better!

 

[navygirl76]

how are your fish? any updates?