cichlid getting eaten????????

[roxxxy]

:eek:

My father-in-law has 2 cichlids in his tank, I'm really not sure what kind they are. One is about 4" and the other slightly larger. They look a little like convicts, but not quite. (Dark color with black bands)

I just came from his place, and the smaller one has a hole dug into its side, it looks almost like bite marks. Is that what it is? or could it be some horrible disease (although the other one looks healthy), or did he maybe scratch himself on a rock?

I've never seen anything like it. Any help would be appreciated, the poor fella.....

Thanks
roxanne

[cuddlebunni]

I'm not entirely sure as i am kinda new to this. My best friend gave me his tank set up with 2 Tiger Oscars. They have had hole in the head for awhile. We are giving them meds and they are slowly but surely getting better. I am wondering if that may be the problem. Like i said, i am not entirely sure. But, it's a thought. :o Good luck.

[roxxxy]

What kind of meds should he get? He's not really up to speed on aquariums (neither am I for that matter). But he didn't do any research before buying them.

That poor fish looks aweful, and if there's anything that can be done to help it out, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

[Cat]

Sounds like it could be Hole in the head, you say its in the fish's side? is it around the head area? if it is HITH you will need to treat with Dimetridazole or Metronidazole ASAP its a very serious illness that is often fatal inless treated right away.
On the other hand its also quite possible it has had a scrap with its tank mate and lost a couple of scales, In which case you just need to keep an eye out that it dosent get infected, it will heal over and in time the scales will be replaced.
What would be useful is to know what type of fish they are and also what size tank they are in and what maintenance routine your father in law has. Hole in the head is normally caused by fish stress and poor water conditions.
Have a look at the fish profiles on this site and see if any of the pics match your fish. Also when you say they are stripy, do they have any other colours to them?