swordtail fungus?

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happychem

redorkulated
Dec 9, 2003
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Halifax, NS
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Hey,
Just a quick question for some experienced types:
I noticed a few days ago that one of my female swordtails had a bit of white on the very end of the bottom of her tail. Yesterday I noticed that the male has a bit of the same on the end of his 'sword', only accompanied by a bit of a red spot. The red matches his colouring, so that may be the difference (I hope).

Any ideas on what this may be? A fungus perhaps?

There are 3 swordtails in the 10g (2F, 1M) accompanied by 2 albino corydoras.

The tank is almost a year old. Recent changes are increased dosing of KCl for the plants, some of the step plants were showing symptoms indicating K shortage. I also regularly dose traces and Magnesium sulfate. Occasionally add a bit of phosphate of KNO3 if NO3/PO4 test low.

I have changed the substrate gradually over the past several weeks to replace that standard 'aquarium gravel' stuff with #2 filter sand (diameter ~3mm).

Last tests:
NH4/NO2=0
NO3=~5ppm
PO4=~0.25-0.5ppm (both these were bumped up after the test)
KH=100ppm
pH=7.0
GH=100ppm
 

OrionGirl

No freelancing!
Aug 14, 2001
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Sheila
How big is it? True fungal infections aren't that common--it's usually a bacterial infection instead. I'd probably sit tight for a day or three, see if it gets worse. Could be there was a brief spike that weakened the fish a bit, but she should be able to kick it now that the tank is stabilized from the substrate swap. Ditto for the male--especially if they've been getting busy--a simple nipped fin, with a bit of infection, should be easily recovered from.
 

Leopardess

Everything's eventual.
Aug 13, 2003
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You could add a little melafix in the mean time to help speed things along. Won't hurt the plants or fish and can help keep infection away - esp. if its just a little tear.
 

happychem

redorkulated
Dec 9, 2003
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Halifax, NS
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Thanks Leopardess and OrionGirl,
I think that I'll just sit tight for now and keep a close eye on it. I wasn't thinking about fin nipping before but it makes sense. The male seems pretty eager to breed but sometime the females aren't havin' any of that. I was just worried that it may be spreading. Thanks for calming my nerves a bit!;)

I'll look into the melafix if the spots start getting bigger, but I try to avoid adding anything to the tank if I can at all help it.
 
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