Spotted Raphael = scaleless?

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I've got a bunch of spotted raphael in quarantine. I bought them in late November, added 7 Tbs salt to the 10 gal tank, and let that sit for a couple of weeks. I had the tank water turn over again (turned on my drip) and have them pristine water for a month. I repeated that in mid January when they simply didn't look right, and got them back on clean water now.

They still shed slime, and a few have rapid gill movement. They just don't seem right.

I need to go to the next step, and was wondering about Tetra Lifeguard (1-chloro-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-imidazolidinone). Package says it's not suitable for scaleless fish. I mean spotted raphael are not nude like eels, but wanted to get some thoughts before I dose them.

Aquanero maybe?

Thanks guys, HarleyK

 

[Charney]

i would not consider them scaless. There scales are what makes up the armour. What are your trying to treat for? I would consider using metronidazole.

 

[HarleyK]

Thanks for your comment!

I'm treating quite unspecified. Excess slime, partly discolored, and some fish with rapid gill movement.

They have healthy appetite, I'm no health expert, but I can tell when fish are off.

I started with Melafix and Pimafix combo. Maybe that takes care of it.

 

[HarleyK]

Answer from Tetra:

This catfish is scaleless, and medication should be used very carefully. I would recommend trying a half dose. If the catfish reacts, put a de-chlorinating product in the water immediately.