The Black Spot?!

[robadk1]

Ok, I have my loach, and have done all my research, one thing I havn't really found anything on(which makes me think it's nothing) is a black spot in their back. What is it? The picture of the Loach on www.Fishprofiles.com (http://www.Fishprofiles.com) has a loach that basicly looks like the one I have with a black spot(again makes me think it's nothing). What is it if anything?

[ct-death]

In short, I do not know of any ailment that produces external 'black spots'. That's the good news.

However, if it appears to be a growth or an ailment of some sort I would obviously advocate to keeping a close eye on him for the next couple of days and tracking the "spot". Can't hurt, but it's probably nothing.

[shaggbark]

Clown loaches will produce black spots when under stress and/or if there is a change in the tank like adding salt, medications and what not. My favorite loach was coated in black spots when I had a recent nitrite spike due to a problem with my filter. After fixing the Fluval and adding another, plus very careful water changes the spots faded over three days and it's now spotless, phew!

Also, some loaches just have irregular black markings, just a difference in loach design 8)

[ct-death]

^_^ Great Info Shaggbark! Thnx ;)

[robadk1]

Thanks for the info. I've been watching.
But now, the spot has grown, is on both sides of him in the same spot, and it looks as if his stomach is growing. Could this be somekind of internal issue? It's the biggest one of the bunch, could it be over eating(me overfeeding)? The others look healthy, nice dark stripes, very vibrant coloring for a clown loach.

[shaggbark]

My loaches often have a "belly bulge" from their love of eating, it could be the same for your loach. Keep us posted on how it's doing. 8) Michelle

[robadk1]

Yeah, i'm pretty sure that's all the stomach thing is, particularly so, being as that one is the biggest/alpha apparently(As i've watched.) So I wouldn't be surprised if that ones getting more food. I'm not really concerned about the spot now though I guess. His stripes have plenty of color, he's swimming and breathing normal. I tested the water, all perameters normal, except there was the slightest sign of Amm. (I did a fish in cycle with the loach before I knew better. But like I said, they're all good now and that was about a month ago after about a two month cycle.) I did a water change, along with cleaning one of my two HOB filters. I'll keep posted on any news, hopefully any news will be good news only.

[shaggbark]

I'm glad his belly looks ok 8)

Keep a very close eye on the water quality. My clowns stress over the most minute amount of ammonia. People sometimes purchase clowns because they are known as "indicator fish" since they will show signs of stress well before other species.

I would do frequent small partial water changes to lessen any amount of ammonia or nitrite in the tank.

Keep us posted!
Michelle