Diagnosis Required Asap!

[Jimbo1984]

Hi, my Keyhole Cichlid is ill again. He's had these white lumps on his head for a few weeks now. I'm not sure what they are so took some photos in the hope that someone could shed some light on this. I thought it may have been some kind of worm so treated the tank with some Flubenol I had left over from a previous infestation. This hasn't helped the problem. I've also been adding Melafix for fin damage. Please look at my photos and any diagnosis/suggested treatment would be greatly appreciated. He's a great fish, just keeps looking at me longingly for help! Also scrapes ALL the time.

 

[WILDER]

If they look like white pimples it could be hole in the head,.
http/www.fishyfarmacy.com/articles/hexamita.html

 

[WILDER]

Was the med out of date.

 

[Jimbo1984]

No I don't think so. Bought some Waterlife Octozin after your hole in the head suggestion. Doesn't seem to be improving. More pimples appearing. I've take some more pics through my magnifying glass this time...

 

[fishyfeet]

it has to be a parasite, ich maybe, does the med you give contain malachite green and formalin both these product along with aquatic salt and highering the temperature will cure all parasite, it may be advisable to use stress coat as a dechlorinator when you do a good water change, making sure to give the gravel a good clean. I did think the spot look to large for ich, but in cant be fungle and theres not much else it could be. Dont forget to run a carbon pad in the filter to remove any medication before, and leave for 24 hours before retreating. which has made me think you havent already got any carbon in the filter have you. otherwise the medication wouldnt have worked. di

 

[Jimbo1984]

I have another tank I can set up. Is it worth setting that up and moving him? Or too stressful?

 

[Jimbo1984]

Just noticed your reply. No carbon in the filter. I have pads on standby though. Thanks for the help!

 

[fishyfeet]

depends what other fish you have, some arnt salt tollerent and therefore you would have too, if they are all ok with salt there is a chance if it is a parasite they maybe infected also, just not showing symtoms yet, when you turn up the temp that would speed up the cycle of the parasite and hopefully a good course of treatment would be fine. its a nightmare isnt it, di

 

[Jimbo1984]

I have a a load of Emperor Tetras (20+) and a Bristlenose. Looking to get rid of most of the Emperors as they're tank born but obviously this is a bit of a set back and don't want to be selling on dodgy fish. S

 

[fishyfeet]

then you need to treat the whole tank, not sure if b/n are salt tollerent, ive a feeling they arent. id love the tetras, but bet you live too far away, and i wouldnt want any parasites, di

 

[Jimbo1984]

I've moved him to my spare tank now because the Emperors were mithering him because of the spots. How could that possibly be a tasty treat?!?! Stupid fish... How do you rate Waterlife Protozin? Just letting him chill out before adding more treatment. Any recommendations?

 

[fishyfeet]

ive always used protozin before, got a bottle in the cupboard as i always keep some in stock, add aquarium salt and up the temp if you can about 82 should do it, di

 

[Tolak]

Looking at the first picture I'm noticing some pitting running back from the head, a classic HITH symptom.

A separate tank if possible, bare bottom, you will be doing large frequent water changes, 50% every other day minimum. Get a high quality cichlid pellet, and some liquid vitamins. These vitamins can be found in the childrens section of most any drug store. Soak the pellets with a bit of vitamin, feed this only.

Carbon has been implicated with HITH, remove this if you are running it. I hardly ever run carbon, only using it for limited circumstances.

Hexamita has been implicated in HITH, but it is very much a chicken or egg deal. Many fish live long & healthy lives with this protizoa, and it is often considered a normal part of the digestive flora in many cichlids. In a fish that is ill it will often overcome the fish's natural immunity, thus being seen in excessive numbers. HITH is an illness, and it is near impossible to tell if the increase in protozoan activity contributed to the HITH condition, or the other way around.

This being the case it is advisable to treat with metronidazole as well, if possible. This is most easily accomplished if the fish is still eating, you can sprinkle a bit on the soaking pellets & mix it in. Be aware that while metro is readily available in the US, a prescription from a vet is required in the UK.

 

[Jimbo1984]

3 months on and he's still getting these large white lumps! He's been on his own for ages now. Tried various treatments, got Seachem Cupramine active in there at the moment. These lumps just go and then reappear somewhere else! Any suggestions?

 

[WILDER]

What meds have you used.

Jbl do good meds. Get you a link.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/jbl-spirohexol-cures-hole-in-head-disease-20-tablets-p-139.html