Hole In the Head
Hole In the Head is a troublesome disease for those who keep cichlids. I once had an Orange Pike that developed this disease. It was mild and I chose not to use any kind of medication. However, I made sure that I fed a lot less and made a habit of changing the filter pads more often. The craters or erosion never completely went away. However, the edges didn't look as sharp at they used to and they certainly stopped increasing in size. I suppose it might be a form of scar. Which was too bad because the pike was magnificent.
I've read lots of literature on it. There are lots of speculations and observations. A few facts are consistent though. One being the need to provide good water quality at all times. Some fish, like the Orange Pike, seems to be more sensitive to water quality than your typical cichlids. I had another cichlid in the tank and it never got the disease. Also, it might not be a bad idea to feed a varied diet just to ensure that your fish will get all the nutrition it needs. The water in the Pike's tank was soft, but it was neutral ph. The pike's natural habitat is soft and probably slightly below 7 ph. I hope my Green Terror doesn't get this disease.
There are medications available for it. But I don't think it will help prevent the fish from getting scars.
