I can't identify what's wrong with him

[TarmacMeat]

Hi. I have this pleco that I got from the LFS about 6 weeks ago and I think there is something wrong with his skin but I've spent weeks googling and searching forums and I just don't know, neither does the store. He's been this way since I bought him but this weird yellow colour seems to be spreading. He eats fine, swims around and chews his driftwood but I just can't seem to accept this might be normal and was hoping someone had advice? The people at the LFS couldn't figure it out and suggested I try dosing the tank with an anti fungal treatment and basically said see if that fixes it, if not come back and buy this multicure thing instead. I'll post my water parameters in the next comment but it's an established 55Gal with 2 Amazon sword plants, java moss, banana plant, 6 tetras, 3 danios, 3 MTS and a bamboo shrimp. Does anyone have ideas from the photos? It's not ICH and it's not fuzzy?

 

[TarmacMeat]

Also, I know 55gal is too small for him in the long run. I'm working on getting a larger tank set up in the very near future..Assuming he doesn't die.

I have to post the water stats in the morning but they shouldn't be bad, never have been before and the tank has been running for almost 2 years

 

[predatorkeeper87]

from those pics he looks fine...is there a noticeable film coming off of his skin? He looks a little washed out, and that's probably from stress of a new environment...don't medicate, simply do a few extra water changes per week and see if he clears up.

 

[Frank Castle]

Hi. I have this pleco that I got from the LFS about 6 weeks ago and I think there is something wrong with his skin but I've spent weeks googling and searching forums and I just don't know, neither does the store. He's been this way since I bought him but this weird yellow colour seems to be spreading. He eats fine, swims around and chews his driftwood but I just can't seem to accept this might be normal and was hoping someone had advice? The people at the LFS couldn't figure it out and suggested I try dosing the tank with an anti fungal treatment and basically said see if that fixes it, if not come back and buy this multicure thing instead. I'll post my water parameters in the next comment but it's an established 55Gal with 2 Amazon sword plants, java moss, banana plant, 6 tetras, 3 danios, 3 MTS and a bamboo shrimp. Does anyone have ideas from the photos? It's not ICH and it's not fuzzy?View attachment 221250 View attachment 221251 View attachment 221250 View attachment 221251 View attachment 221250 View attachment 221251

omg dude, he's a Gibbiceps Sailfin Pleco and that's how he is SUPPOSED to look - there's nothing wrong with him, stop wasting medication. They get more colorful as they grow bigger. Here's mine for example at 8":

 

[fishorama]

What do you feed him? He's an omnivore & needs both plant & meaty foods.

I can't really tell from your pics...does the "weird skin" seem to be getting worse or more widespread? I'd just go with big water changes once or twice a week, they can be very helpful. I agree, not need for meds yet.