Stressed or Malnutrition?

[Aqualoon]

Picked up a tank from craigslist about two and a half weeks ago, don't have an immediate use for it but it was too cheap to pass up. Anyways, it came stocked with some Gold Severums that weren't looking too hot. Have had them in Q since feeding three times a day (spirulina flakes, NLS pellets and bloodworms) and 50% WC'es twice a week and their coloration hasn't returned.

Basically there is black running along the dorsal fin with some black patches around the body. These black patches aren't a growth but scale color.

The guy was honest about selling it, said he got it for his son who lost interest so the tank had been neglected and that there use to be more in the tank but he's not sure what happened to them. I'm guessing the kid stopped feeding and doing WC'es causing some Sevs to die and the others to ate em. The guy told me the store where he bought the fish which is local and well known (I've bought Gold Sevs from the same place) so they're not hybrids or anything.

Is this something that comes back after time? Should I increase the WC schedule? I only do twice a week because didn't want to stress out the little guys any more then they have been.

 

[Aqualoon]

Here's the best pics I could get of it. Eating great and showing no signs of stress besides this odd coloration.

Anyone ever experience anything like this?

 

[Slippery K]

My golden Chinese algae eater in my growout tank has weird gray markings from the base of his tail half way up his body, and the markings are different on each side. Originally I thought he may have type of disease/fungus or bacterial infection. After having him solo in a small tank for about a month he still seemed fine(treated with meds just incase). Its now 6 months later, still has these weird colour markings on him, but hes totaly healthy and very active with no signs of distress or disease. He is the only one iv even seen with this kind of colouration on his body.

 

[Aqualoon]

Yeah but it's not just one fish that is like this.

After googling around it looks like this might be nitrite poisoning? Does that sound right? Never had experienced anything like this. Does the fish eventually color back up?


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[Slippery K]

Im sorry I cant be of more help. But I think if it was malnutrition there would be some other signs as well, possibly the lateral line of the fish would be more exposed and not look proper, it could just be as simple as stress from the previous owner. How long have you had them for? Your post says you picked up the tank about two and a half weeks ago? Maybe all they need is more time to adjust and settle into their new home.