weird color changes in my fish

[swt2th]

Sounds like animal crackers in my soup but not funny.

1. All of my fish itch (are rubbing the rocks and substrate). Not severely but every once in awhile.

2. One but not both of my electric yellows has developed vertical blackish stripes and one horizontal one along the lateral line.

3. My red zebra now has markings like an electric yellow (black stripes on fins) and is sorta a brownish color with some splotchy places on its sides that are darker. He was such a pretty orange color less than a week ago.
His tank mate doesnt show any of this.

4. My peacock only one of the two has some dark black spots on his sides and his anal fin that werent there before.

5. My jewel (only one of the pair) shows the same black spots on his head around his eyes. These black spots all appear to be part of coloration not a growth.

What I have done because of the itching. Tried an antibiotic didnt work.
tried an anti protozoan didnt work. Tried and anti ich med didnt work.
Changed water and filters after each as perscribed. and even more than recomended didnt work. HEEEEEELLLLLLP!!!!!!!

My fish in a 75 gal
2 red zebras
2 jewel cichlids
2 electric yellows
2 cobalt zebras (appear unaffected but still itch)
2 peacocks
1 kenyi appears unaffected but still itches)
1 pleco (unaffected Doesnt even itch)
1 rainbow shark (Doesnt itch either)

ps do kenyi's dorsal fins turn yellow? sorry about how long this was

 

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

1. Fish rubbing on the rocks and substrate is normal... if they have an itch they gotta scratch it! But if they start doing this excessively its a sign of improper water conditions or some sort of parasite like ich. You can try adding some aquarium salt to the water, like 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons.

2. The dark stripes africans can get are part of thier melanin patterns... coloration in thier skin that they can turn on and off (stress, aggression, mating, all these can affect). Yellow labs can get a dark face, and some dark in the body. I think vertical stripes are normal but horizontal is not, and it most likely means the yellow lab is actually a hybrid and has traits from another species. No biggie though, unless you were set on breeding these guys for sale.

3. Africans change color. As they mature, some change into new colors (usually the males). Even as drastic and going from yellow to blue. Maybe what you have is not a red zebra but something else. Diet also effects coloration, what are you feeding your fish?

4. Some fish have these dark spots. People have said they could be a type of disease, but i think they could be stress related or just part of thier natural coloration. My female afra would get these around her face when she was holding babies.

5. Again, the same as #4. I dont think its a type of growth i think its kinda like a birthmark, but not permanent.

If your kenyi's fins are turning yellow then its a male. He will completely turn yellow and have some faded vertical stripes (maybe keep some hints of blue, depends on how dominant he is). Watch out cus he will be aggressive and may pick fights with your yellow labs because of similar coloration.

I wouldnt keep dosing your tank with meds. Itching is normal and i would leave it for now. Try adding the salt.



HTH
-Diana