Help my poor fish!

Can you resize the photo?

What are your water parameters? Tank size/mates?
 
It doesn't look like ich to me, although I'm no expert. In my 5 years of continuous aquarium keeping, this is my first bout with any illness. IMHO it appears to be a fungus. This fish was recently moved from a 35g hexagon to a 55g long, so I wonder if the inevitably high stress move knocked his immune system down enough to catch something it was able to fight off for a long time? I'll try to get you some better pictures, thanks for all the help!
 
Parameters

PH ~ 6.5
Ammonia ~ 1.5 mg/l
Nitrite ~ 1.6 mg/l ??

I have done a 20% water change every other day for 8 days, probably explaining the strange ammonia/nitrite levels. They are disturbing though. The tank has completed a cycle.
 
Was the 55g tank he was moved into cycled prior to his introduction? Are there any other fish in that tank? The pH is rather acidic, and dropping pH for fish can be extremely stressful. What is the pH of the tank he came from, and how long did you drip acclimate him to his new tank? Your ammonia seems to be within the realm of possibly being lethal... you need to do a huge (50-75%) water change and possibly keep doing them once or twice daily until that number comes down. IMHO, a 55g tank is not an appropriate size tank for a fish which is a foot in length, but that aside, I would like to see your fish pull through this. What is the temperature in the 55g vs the 35g, and what kind of filtration do you have on the tank? (asking to determine the water turn-over rate, not so much for what brand of filter it is)
 
The setup is a 55g tank with a 120 gph hang on back filter. The tank has been operational for 2 1/2 months and all substrate/water was transfered over from the previous tank so no acclimation was done. The animals (2 RES turtles, 1 mud turtle, and said fish) were put into a rubbermaid tub filled with old tank water, the remaining tank water was siphoned into the new tank, and then the animals followed. Since I noticed these spots I immediately began preforming 20% water changes every other day (4 times so far). I generally change 10% every other week.
When the transfer occurred ammonia/nitrite was 0 and PH ~ 7.5
The temperature varies due to placement on a screened in back porch, though a small heater set for 76 makes sure temperatures don't fluctuated too much at night. The weather naturally keeps it around 78.
I have to admit I agree with your fish size to tank size ratio complaint. I will happily return the fish back to the lake behind my house 1 month after a full recovery with no sign of recession. Releasing him back to the wild strong and healthy would not break my heart, killing him would. Thank you for your help.
 
I'd like to make a few suggestions for you, and I believe it will help you out in the long run. (and I believe I have a few questions yet too)

The 55 gallon tank you have would be better suited with at least one more filter, rated for at least double the flow rate of your current filter. Ideally speaking, you want the water in the tank to be processed 5-10 times per hour. (also keep in mind, the flow rate quoted on the packaging is not what the actual flow rate is... so long as the filter is maintained, I would say actual flow rate is 60-75% of listed flow rate.) That having been said, I'd recommend getting a large aquaclear filter (like the Aquaclear 70) which is rated for 300 gph. The combined quoted power of your filters would be 420 gph, and 60% of 420 would be 252 gph. In my opinion, that would provide adequate circulation for the tank, as the turn-over rate would be at least 5-1, and possibly a little higher. You would also want to have the filters on opposite ends of the tank (they can both be on the back of the tank, just one on each end) so that you can minimize or eliminate dead spots in the water. (areas with no flow)

What is the wattage rating of the heater you have? Ideally to keep a 55g tank at 78-80 degrees in an otherwise cool environment (assuming it can drop to low 60's) you would want a 300 watt heater, or to ensure more thorough heating, 2 150 watt heaters, one placed near each filter to disperse the heat with the water flow.

The fish you showed us, is it a wild caught native fish? If so, you may want to check with local laws as far as releasing him back into the wild, as well as check his water requirements if you are able to find them. It is illegal in most (if not all) states to release any captively kept animal (fish, bird, mammal, etc.) into the wild, for fear of introducing new bacteria, disease, etc. and damaging the ecosystem.

I was a little unclear as to whether or not your fish had any other tank mates. Were there other fish/invertebrates in the 55g with him, or was the the only inhabitant?

I'm very glad to see that you are concerned about your fish's well being, and that you want to provide the best care for him you can. All too many people view fish as disposable entertainment, and that ideology is something I would love to break one day. I have the utmost respect and compassion for all of the pets I've ever kept, and I always strive to take care of them to the best of my abilities. Best luck to you and your fish. :-)
 
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