RE: [RML] Black skin patches

Adrian R. Tappin (atappin at ecn.net.au)
Tue, 10 Feb 1998 10:33:22 +1000

At 17:22 9/02/98 -0500, Tom wrote:
>I've seen this in one particular specied of Apistogramma in the past (A.
>viejita, but never on any of the other Apisto species I keep). On
>seperate occasions, I observed males of this species develop a black
>coloration on one-half of their head, practically overnight. The first
>time, the fish lived a number of weeks afterwards, and with otherwise
>seemingly acceptable health. The second time, the fish did not live as
>long, but still over a week. There were no other signs of illness, and
>death appeared to be fairly rapid and with little advanced notice. I
>wonder if this is the same thing?

I've only seen it in rainbowfishes but some fish disease books have shown it
on other fishes. Goyder River Rainbowfishes in particular, seem to be
exceptionally prone to this discolouration. Steve Prycroft has a few
theories on this subject but is a bit hesitate to spell them out.

The only other thing I know that causes a similar symptom is Thyroid
Swelling generally due to lack of iodine in the diet. But this is usually
easily seen by the lifting or growth under the operculum.

I have had some Goyders live for a considerable time before they die (In
most cases I just dispose of them anyway) but others die fairly quickly. I
guess you really need to have them diagnosed by a Vet.

Adrian.
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Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm
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