WTF is on my plec?

[knobhill]

Hi,
Anyone seen this before? I am talking about the white patches on and near the dorsal fin. Also, some of his finnage is tattered. I had this guy quarantined for 3 weeks before putting him in my 175g; he has been in this tank for about 2 weeks. Water quality is good: 10ppm nitrate, 0 nitrite and 0 ammonia. Temp is 76, ph is 6.8 with moderate hardness. It has been eating bloodworms and zucchini. There is an L25 and L14 in there with him and there has been a small amount of fighting (mostly head-butting). There are many hiding spots but this guy loves to suck on the glass in the front.
Any help would be appreciated.

Matt



http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=39053&size=1

 

[ShadowBass]

It's either columnaris or fungus. He needs to be re-quarantined and treated immediately. This could spread to your other fish.
Columnaris could spready quickly and kill him within a couple of days.
Don't raise temperature, since it will only make it spready quicker.

What likely happened is that because of the fighting his slimecoat was damaged leaving him open to infection, even if he didn't have any noticeable injuries.

 

[ShadowBass]

There's a sticky at the top of the forum on it:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31362

In in best case scenario he simply has excess slimecoat from fighting damage, but I never like to mess around with potential columnaris infections since they can spread and kill so quickly.

 

[knobhill]

I pm-ed Oddball for a second opinion. Will keep you updated, thanks!

 

[ShadowBass]

Good luck. I have limited experience with columnaris, so I hope it's not, but I have had a few fish that got it after injuries and it looked much like that. Of course it helps to see it in person for a positive I.D.

 

[knobhill]

I presented the case to Plecofanatics.com and most seem to think it is from fighting. I did a 20% h2o change yesterday, he appeared slightly better this morning. If his condition worsen, I am putting him in a hospital tank and treating with a mela/pimafix combo.
Will stay in touch

 

[davo]

It is either early fungus, but I'm pretty certain this is either from fighting or from catching itself/knocking into something... although the amount and placement on yours would suggest it's been fighting... Keep an eye on it, it should dissappear on it's own accord. Had it myself and it was gone in 1-2 days.