Help with my lionhead goldfish please

[terror]

Need help with my lion head goldfish the're are black patches which seem to be growing on its back? what could this be?
the other goldfish tankmates don't seem to have this.

any advice? what could this be?

 

[Inka4040]

Check your water params. The sudden appearance of black usually means that the fish was subject to ammonia burns which are now starting to heal. It could also be color change, but the change from orange to black is highly unlikely.

 

[Flaringshutter]

If you can get a clearer photo, that would help us. It could be ammonia burns, but the pattern seems a little too distinct for that. A photo of the fish in the tank or with flash would be good.

 

[terror]

Hi,

He'res a picture of my lionhead in the water

thanks.

 

[Flaringshutter]

It's still difficult to say whether that is color change or ammonia burns. Either way you're in the clear, though - as long as your water parameters are good. It's absolutely necessary that you check them regularly and keep up with your water changes.
If it is color change you have nothing to worry about. If it is a result of ammonia burns, you're still fine. When wounds turn black, it is a sign of healing. Like a bruise in humans. So keep those parameters in check and don't worry too much about him.

 

[terror]

thanks, the black patch seems to be spreading and my goldfish seems to have difficulty swimming, the other goldfish in the tank seems fine though.
could this be an infection?

 

[Flaringshutter]

You might be looking at an internal infection just as the outer one is healing. Black is almost always a sign of healing. The only other thing I can think of is possibly dropsy. Occasionally early signs are darkening of color, though I don't know if it would be in a pattern like that.
Regardless, you can try feeding a broad-spectrum antibacterial food like Jungle Labs. Most pet stores carry it. Keep us updated.

 

[reptileguy2727]

The first pic looks like pigment, like what happened to one of mine.

The other pics look more like injury (from a bully fish, pleco, etc.) and the last pic shows what looks like a hint of pineconing, evident of dropsy.

 

[terror]

he seems to be getting worse

other fish don't seem to have problem, should i separate this one?

I'm not sure what to do

 

[reptileguy2727]

Is there anything besides goldfish in there? Have you ever seen any other fish pick on him? It looks like he is getting picked on or at. I would separate him into his own 10-20 gallon and keep in in really good condition. Try Melafix to assist healing.