Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a problem with a common 5" Pleco that I picked up from the store two days ago. He developed Red "wounds" on his body and his fns are shredding badly. I took all precautionary steps available to introduce him to the tank, and I cant see the 5 other goldfish attacking him, so could this just be ICK or is it something worse? He is starting to "float", almost as if he doesnt have much longer to live, to the top and then moves a bit. Can anyone direct me? Thanks

Hi. It sounds like he maybe has some ulcers, although it could be a couple other illnesses. I've given you a diagnosic chart for you to look at. Please see the flukes, red pest and fin rots. Meanwhile, add some melafix for the fin rot which I know he has from your description. The melafix will prevent any more infection, and could even allow his fins to grow back to normal.

What are your water parameters (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates)? Fin rot can be caused by bad water quality, as well as the fish being stressed because of water quality and that can lead to other diseases. If you don't have a water testing kit, your LFS will test your water for you, just bring about a cup of the fish water with you.
Freshwater Fish Illnesses

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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Phishie,

Nitrites, ammonia, and Ph are all good. Nitrites are .25 ppm, ammonia is 0 and PH is at 7.2. Water temp is 76 F. Im concerned at this point especially, because he is starting to float alot more mid level to top level in the tank. Why would this happen so quickly?

Well, I'm sorry to say, that even though I added Melafix and parasite and fungus killer, my Pleco died overnight. He had a white film on him this morning and was floating head up at the top of the tank. Im wondering if this was something that he had at the pet shop and brought here with him. Thanks for the help in identifying the possible sicknesses Phishie.

I'm sorry for your loss.

He could have had this at the pet shop. When did you get him? If it was just a couple weeks of you owning him, then it is possible that he hid it from you and got it from the pet store or from the stress of moving from one place to the pet store to your place.

Usually once you notice something is wrong, it's too late to help. However, I do my best to reply to people's posts quickly because I know that time is of the essence. I also feel I know most diseases pretty well, although for your case I can't tell exactly what was wrong specifically.
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."