Velvet?

H

hrcowen

Just Another Srgt.'s Wife
Nov 21, 2005
5
0
0
Buffalo, NY
Help, Is this velvet?

Picture020.jpg
Here is a picture of my red veil tail "Big Red". He doesn't seem to be having any issues. He's very active, eats well and flares well when he sees a mirror. However, when he flares only one side of his labrynth extends out to frame his face. The other side stays sort of flat at the bottom of his jaw. Now today, my husband flashed a picture of him and this is what I saw. Could it be velvet? If so, what to do: if not, what to do? I'm sort of lost here and don't want him to be suffering because I'm ignorant. Please, help me learn. :help:
 
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I don't know if it is velvet. Another possible cause for this is that he was in a fight at some point and was injured. How long have you had him? Is this behavior new or is it something that he has always have. Have you noticed any change in his behavior/physical appearance since posting this? Also, if he spent time in an uncycled tank/cup he might have recieved burns from the ammonia, nitrate, and possibly nitrates.
 
Thanks for the reply, Bunny.
I am pretty sure that he hasn't been injured, he was only a few months old when we bought him. That was about 8 months ago.
The thing with his labrynth might have been caused by burns because he was in the tank when I cycled it. "Another" thing that I know not to do again. That was around the time I noticed the lack of flare on one side. If that's it, then it's probably permanent now.
I don't know about the goldish patches on his face though and have no idea if I should be treating him. I would appreciate any opinions on this, thanks.
 
It could go either way. Many beattas have copper or gold patches around their heads. At the same time Velvet is nothing to take lightly. I'd get a flashlight in the dark tonight and take a long close look. Compare what you see to the picture, and do the same thing again tomorrow. What you want to look for is changes in the shape and size of the gold patch.

The thing to remember is that Your fish will tell you if he's sick. The fins will clamp up, the eating behaviors will change. So if he is showing no signs of sickness, I would not rush to treat things. observe and try to positively identify the situation.


If it does prove to be Velvet, Find an ich medication that contains Both Malechite green and Formalin. Treat at full dosage levels. Black out the tank completely if you can or at least reduce the light as much as possible. Velvet is a photosynthesizing parasite, so taking awaylight will stress it and aid in treatment. For a little more informationg try this link at the Skeptical Aquarist.

Velvet (oodinium)

Dave
 
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