Fin rot

[Fastbird93]

My fiance' and I have a Pangasius (Iridescent shark) who is several years old now, probably around 4-5. Anyway,

He recently developed what seems to be fin rot. BUT, he's also got it on his sides, and it's turning into this little white junk on his sides. Looks like he's molting, or like fluff coming out of a stuffed animal??

At the same time, the tank water clouded, and clouded bad. We've changed the water (75% change) and are treating the fish for the fin rot. We also have a blue gourami (spelling???) in the tank who is about as old, and is fine.

Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on what to do. The medication we're using is Maracyn.

[Leopardess]

Sounds like a fungus to me, rather than a bacteria. Fungus usually presents itself when water conditions are less than perfect. Do you know what your parameters were before the big water change? (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc). Also, what size tank?

I'd check to make sure that Maracyn attacks fungal infections too (Im too lazy to check my own bottle;) and I can't recall for sure). Keeping the temperature a little bit lower will help discourage the fungus as they prefer slightly higher temps. Also, maybe a little bit of added aquarium salt (not too much, added gradually) would help.

You'd also want to continue using an antibiotic of some sort to ward off secondary infections in the wounds once the fungus (hopefully!) clears out.