Something up with my Jag's head?

[DwarfCichlid101]

I have recently gotten a new little Jag. Although, when I got him, he was in a poorly lit tank, and so he looked fine in there, but when I got him in my grow-out tank, I noticed something weird with his head... I have no idea what it is, and I am not sure what to do about it. I'm pretty sure its not HITH because its really semetrical. I have also seen him scratch his head, and only his head on the rocks and plants, but there are no signs of ich being on him...

If you can help that would be great! Here are some picts. (sorry about the poor quality/ blurriness)

Also, could anyone identify if this is a true Trimac, or just a FH?

 

[Dread]

H.I.T.H. can be very symmetrical. That has my vote.

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

if it is HITH then what do I do?

 

[Dread]

As far as I know (which isn't very far) there isn't a 100% proven technique for treating HITH. MOST people probably suspect water quality, and lately, diet. Diet seems to be a big part of HITH. Basically, as broad advice, add abit of salt, do alot of water changes (4 a week would be excellent), and feeding higher quality foods would likely clear it up. Some also believe it could be caused partially by activated carbon. If you have any of that in your filter, remove it. Replace it with Bio Media, or Floss even.

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

Alright, thanks for the help!

I'll also try to do a little bit of research myself to find out more.

For the moment though, do you know if it is contagious?

 

[HerCrenVie]

it could be caused partially by activated carbon. If you have any of that in your filter, remove it. Replace it with Bio Media, or Floss even.

I have always used activated carbon in my tanks with my cichlids (including Lugubris pikes, which are supposed to be susceptible to HITH) and yet I have never had a case of HITH in my years of fishkeeping. It is most likely caused by a protozoan (Hexamita) and you need metrodinazole (spelling could be wrong) to treat it. That chemical is only available through prescription from a doctor, if I'm not wrong.

DwarfCichlid: do lots of water changes, up the temperature (higher temperatures stimulate a fish's immune system) and add some AQUARIUM - not marine - salt, like the others have said. And of course, try to obtain some metrodinazole. I'm not sure if HITH is contagious, but you should isolate the jag just in case. Good luck.

 

[milkman407]

its not, just keep the water clean, and feed it a variety of food.

 

[Snake_Eyes]

From what I was told to heal HITH you need to keep your nitrates under 10ppm.

Vita-chem is said to be a good aid as well.

 

[DwarfCichlid101]

the temperature of my tank is already about 80F. How much higher should I raise it? Also, would 20% water changes every other day work?

I feed Hikari pellets, tetra flakes, and sometimes frozen shrimp as a treat (defrosted of course). What other types of easy-to-make food could I use that is not too expensive?

 

[Snake_Eyes]

If you don't have a test kit get one. You'll have to determine yourself what amount of water needs to be changed to keep your nitrates low.

I'm currently treating HITH with my oscar and I'm doing three 50% or two 75-80% a week.