i have a 10 gallon, with 4 pygmy corys, and 2 platies. i noticed some ich on one of the platies a week or two back, and i am in the process of a salt/heat treatment. one of the platies (they are both male) which seems to be the submisive one, sometimes clamps his fins a bit. Could this just be because the other fish is showing dominance or is it more than likley just the ich? I have not noticed any ich on any of the corys, and i havent seen any spots on the platys since a little after i started treatment. However, the one platy still clamps his fins sometimes. He has healthy solid waste, clear eyes, bright colors, active, eats well, but i do notice a little hardly noticable clear bump on his side. Very very small, and can only be seen at a certain angle. I would guess its ich, but it looks a bit bigger than that.. anything else that can cause little clear cysts? Im also feeding them some anti-bacteria medicated fish food from jungle in addition to the salt. Any ideas? All the fish and my snail look perfectly healthy (save one platy), and the params are all a-okay.
quick sick fish question
- Thread starter nvan2
- Start date
Personally I'd skip the antibacterial food if it contains antibiotics (usually ending in -cyclene, -azole, -cillin, or begins with sulfa-something). Antibiotic use when it's not necessary has been known to produce resistent strains of bacteria. If it's not an antibiotic, just use your judgement.
As far as clamped fins, I doubt it's a sign of being subordinate, though that's a pretty good observation. Likely he's just acting out his illness. If there's one white fleck on the body, there's probably a thousand buried in his gills--- which is what kills the fish. Once the ich is gone (using heat and salt, it will be gone) he should perk right up. Give them three or four lady friends to keep them company, too.
By the way, note that cory cats of all types seem to be sensitive to heavy salt levels. Platies don't care, you can french-fry salt them all you want. Keep the water movement and aeration high in the tank, as "salted" water holds less oxygen than pure fresh. Move the cories if they seem stressed by the salt.
Hope this helps,
Matt
As far as clamped fins, I doubt it's a sign of being subordinate, though that's a pretty good observation. Likely he's just acting out his illness. If there's one white fleck on the body, there's probably a thousand buried in his gills--- which is what kills the fish. Once the ich is gone (using heat and salt, it will be gone) he should perk right up. Give them three or four lady friends to keep them company, too.
By the way, note that cory cats of all types seem to be sensitive to heavy salt levels. Platies don't care, you can french-fry salt them all you want. Keep the water movement and aeration high in the tank, as "salted" water holds less oxygen than pure fresh. Move the cories if they seem stressed by the salt.
Hope this helps,
Matt