Bolivian Ram, mystery sickness.

ChrisWalker

ChrisWalker

AC Members
Oct 2, 2006
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Hi all, long time no post.

Need some quick assistance, as my oldest male bolivian ram (had him about 20 months) seems to be sick. Symptoms.

- He's started breathing heavier and faster than the other rams.

- Shy and lethargic, not really coming out to eat, which isn't like him at all.

- Stress colours showing a lot of the time.

- I suspect he may have Hole in the Head disease, as such I'm doing more frequent water changes and have added melafix/pimafix. He has 2 small holes, one next to each eye, and I think another is opening on the front of his head. From what I've read, it's still early at this stage.

- As well as that, he also has some white pimples on the rear of his dorsal fin, they look a little like ich, but I know they're not. The older ones seem to have healed a little and aren't bumps anymore, but just white marks.

- He also had what can only be described as fluffy poo. A little like white stringy poo, only it looked broken and fuzzy. I've been treating with InterPet anti-internal bacteria too.

This isn't looking good for him but anything to help will be greatly appreciated. It's very distressing as he's my favourite fish.

The water quality is fine, my nitrates rarely get above 5! I'm strict with my water change routine and do about 30% per week.

Tank is 28 UK Gallons (33 US Gallons). The other 3 rams he shares with are all fine and their usual "show off" selves.

I just don't get it.

Thanks!
 
Have you added any new fish or plants to your tank recently? Sounds like either internal parasites, or bacterial infection..
 
HITH/HLLE are lumped together but some suspect different Sx. and Different causes.
HITH usually pimple like protrusions..they usually erupt and form pistules wounds with slime in them.
if the holes are small and pin shaped.. there could be protozoa involved(internal) they are blamed for disrupting the fishes ability to use nutrients.

HLLE usually laterally in damage considered to be caused by nutritional deficiency. (Diet).

the treatment can be the same.. clean water..treat with metronidazole and make sure the fish is getting good food.
 
Thanks for the replies all.

Star_rider, many thanks, you've described exactly what it is. I didn't know what HLLE is but it's most certainly that.

Thanks! now I know for sure what i'm up against! The problem is, I don;t think you can get this "metro" in the uk.
 
ChrisWalker said:
Thanks for the replies all.

Star_rider, many thanks, you've described exactly what it is. I didn't know what HLLE is but it's most certainly that.

Thanks! now I know for sure what i'm up against! The problem is, I don;t think you can get this "metro" in the uk.
Click to expand...

HLLE (head lateral line erosion) it is actually supposed to be caused by diet.
clean water and vary the food should help.

in the UK you may have issues finding the meds. not sure how to help you there.
any veterinarians you know?
 
It's ok, I've done a little further research and found it's also known as Spironucleus, which I just happen to have this Waterlife Octozin which is meant to be good at treating it.

Just have to see how it goes. Clean water isn't a problem, getting him to eat anything is.

Thanks again. Will let you know how it goes.
 
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