Sick Neon Jack Demspey

[joplum1]

Sick Blue Jack Dempsey

Hello everyone,

I think I have a sick Blue Jack Dempsey. I've had this fish in a 55 gal tank by itself for about 8 months and as it gets bigger I notice that he has scale loss at the top of his head and along the dorsal fin area. His dorsal fins are somewhat ragged and I've tried various store bought treatments for fin damage to no avail. I don't know what the treatment for scale loss is. I do 30% water changes monthly that seem to make him spunkier but don't help his scales and fins. I've attached pics and if anyone has any advice, I welcome and appreciate it.

 

[MoJo]

I have never heard of a "Neon Jack Dempsey".

What are the water parameters? What treatment have you tried thus far?

 

[joplum1]

Sick Blue Jack Dempsey

Sorry about that - I think it's known as the Blue Jack Dempsey (http://www.aquahobby.com/dempsey.html) but it was sold to me as a "Neon Jack" The only thing I've done is 30% water changes monthly, store bought fin treatments like MelaFix, Parasite tabs (thinking the scale loss was maybe due to parastites), Any suggestions?

 

[MoJo]

I've never had much luck with the Blue Dempsey. IMHO it's not a very hardy fish. That said, your water changes should be weekly. I would suggest 50%. When a fish is showing the symptoms you are describing, frequent water changes are a must. With cichlids, your water change regime should always be weekly.

Try picking up Jungle's "Binox". It's a good overall med thatshould help. Start by doing the big water change. Remove any carbon filter that you may have on the tank when you add the meds. Follow the instructions...and keep up with the water changes. I think the problem you are having is a combination of the overall inherent problems with what I consider a "sensitive" fish species and poor water conditions.

Good luck. Hope it helped.