Satanoperca with ghastly HitH

[DaveB]

I've had geophaguses get Hole in the Head for any number of reasons, including it being less than 84 degrees in the tank. But my Satanoperca have always been fine.

Last night my red lip had one gouge in its head. It looked like a bite wound. Then today it had two... with a third and fourth on the way. They're definite holes now, but much uglier and more awful looking... you can see a bit of red in there.

I suspected it was water quality, even though this tank never has water quality issues, because I also had another leucosticta looking unhappy and showing a lot of blackish color through his body the day before.

But my nitrates are below 5. The water is fine (as usual). Temperature is 84. Every other fish is OK and behaving and eating normally.

Have any of you had similar issues with an eartheater?

I have been lucky not to have a sick fish for a long time now so I honestly forgot half the steps I'd normally take. But to me, HitH always meant "raise the temp" or "water change," so I'm kind of at a loss here anyway. Any ideas?

 

[dogofwar]

I have S. leucosticta and others in my fishroom, which is usually in the mid-70's, without HITH. My opinion is that HITH is caused by stress and/or poor water quality.

Matt

 

[DaveB]

That's almost always the case. I suppose it's possible that the Uaru juvies are stressing it out, but I haven't seen it.

I just worry that maybe it's something else, given that it's not just the hollow holes I usually see. It's as if something white and red is in there (the red got washed out by the flash in the pics). Of course, I have no idea what that would be.

 

[peathenster]

My temp is never above 82F....no HITH (knock on wood)...

If it develops so fast, it may not be HITH. Parasites maybe?

 

[lateraldisposition]

Popeye too, definitly poor water quality they are sensitive fish

 

[DaveB]

His eyes are always like that.

And anyway, nitrates are below 5. If I had crappy water I wouldn't be too full of pride to admit it. I wish that was it... that's an easy fix.

Parasites are my fear. But what kind would cause this?

 

[peathenster]

definitly poor water quality

How can you make a statement like that? Did you test his water? A fish would be fine for a long time then suddenly develop two big holes in the head in two days because of poor water quality?

Parasites are my fear. But what kind would cause this?

Not sure. Take a closer look to see if anything is growing out...then try the disease board maybe?

 

[HiImSean]

i had a few of my gymnos get it. they'd be healthy and fine one day, the next have this large hole in the middle of its forehead. they usually lasted about 3 or so days after it developed. i tried isolating in another tank with warmer water, parasite meds, salt, daily 50-75% water changes, the whole 9 yards, nothing worked. i hope you have better luck.

its weird, i had my S. jurupari for 3yrs and never had a problem like that. temps would go from 78-82 and it was always healthy

 

[lateraldisposition]

How can you make a statement like that? Did you test his water? A fish would be fine for a long time then suddenly develop two big holes in the head in two days because of poor water quality?





LOL i'm just drunk and mouthy I reresd the post after I said that I apologize I know bout nothing on them

 

[lateraldisposition]

dave what kind of fish is that in your avatar I like