This Has Stumped the Oscar Community

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
It looks like it could be Columnaris. Flexibacter columnaris is a bacteria found on the slime coating fish. This has also been been refered to as saddle back disese when seen as raised white or grayish patches on the body. The patches is what got me thinking about this. When the bacteria starts to multiply beond normal levels it thrives in warm water well airated tanks it is a gram negitive, arobic bactreia. As a treatment you should do a 50% water change, lower the temp in the tank to 72 and the add aquarium salt dosed at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Methylene Blue or Peroxide can be applied directly to the affected areas to speed treatment. I just saw this thread so I realize I'm a little late with the info.
 
Whoa thats scary, i have a gold oscar who gets a pink patch every now and again, but havent been able to catch it in a pic yet, theyre strange and wonderful creatures with alot of secrets.
 
This comes & goes. Some of the meds he's taken would have been effective against Columnaris.

I'm thinking something in the water or tank or conditioner is irritating his slime coating. I'm going to start by trying a water conditioner without any "Slime Coat Protector."
 
Oh, gosh. Never thought of that. I quit using those "slime coat" products when I learned they can suffocate fish. Good move. All most of us need is Prime, good fish food and clean water to heal most infections.

I am imagining the little microcosm between the fish's skin and the slime coat. What gases penetrate the slime coat? Could this apparent colony be anaerobic? More Q's than answers still...best of luck again!
 
"This looks like a fungal infection that I have suffered from on my own skin called tinea versacolor. I'm not sure if it can afflict fish but I do know that on my skin it causes itchy patches that grow best in humid conditions.

Tinea Versacolor is a fungal infection related to that of a vaginal yeast infection. Maybe this is a similar infection that goes on aquatic life.
 
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