What is on my Fire Eel

[sswampratt]

It looks like a fine coating of something white, it is peeling off him in several areas, when it does the exposed sufacelooks nice and colorful. Bought him a couple days ago along with a Snowflake eel wich shows no signs of this. None of the other eels are doing this. Tried to get a decent picture of it but below is the best i could do.

 

[guppy]

Seems like excess slime coat, many possible causes. Just keep an eye on it.

 

[sswampratt]

Guppy thanks for the reply,
just wanted to amke sure I did not have the beginings of a major problem.

Only been at this new fish addiction for about a year, cheaper then my last addiction to small go fast boats.

 

[Nick660]

I would test for water quality problems.

 

[sswampratt]

Did water test everything nitrates(40 ppm) on the high side everything else ok, eel is going down hill moved him to seperate tank. white stuff on tail feels like sandpaper. eel is barely moving.

He is the only thing in the big tank showing any signs of this problem, other eels and fish are doing fine so far. Hoping to figure this out soon so I might save this eel, but more important keep it from happening to the rest of my fish and eels.

 

[Nick660]

Does anything here http://www.fishyfarmacy.com/fish_diseases/skin_disorders.html sound like it? Maybe disease (J) on the list?

Good luck.

 

[Oni Angel-Hannya]

These fish can be give or take when buying them.Some people have vigorous specimens,some people get sickly ones...........

 

[sswampratt]

These fish can be give or take when buying them.Some people have vigorous specimens,some people get sickly ones...........

Looks like I got a sickly one, have not had him a week yet, So far the snowflake is looking good so far, they were tank mates at the place I bought them. Will be suprised if he makes it thru the day. Dropped some fungus treatment in with him figure at this point can't hurt, will run up to the store shortly and get some aqurium salt. And see if they have anything else that might help.

My big fear now is that what he has might go after some of the other fish in my tank.

Decided from now on by little guys and let them grow big in my tanks. That way if I do lose one it does not dig as deep into my pocket.

 

[sswampratt]

Fire eel died last night. I called the store I got him from and the owner said sorry to hear that, asked how my Snowflake was that I bought from him at the same time told him it was doing fine. He was suprised he figured of the two the fire eel was the hardier species. He then told me he had some more fires coming in on friday and he would hold one to replace mine free of charge.

 

[Oni Angel-Hannya]

He then told me he had some more fires coming in on friday and he would hold one to replace mine free of charge.

At least he's a decent business person.Alot of places will not do this.