Funny Patches Come And Go On A Bristlenose

[BFG]

Hi all,

I've had a tank set up for several weeks now. Amm - 0, NitrIte - 0, Nitrate approx 15. temp - 24.5
Rio 180 (180L / 40gal), 6 peppered corys, 5 neon tetras, 3 pearl gouramis and 2 bristlnose plecs.

First noticed this when I was moving stuff around my tank last week (gravel vac). Turbo (my bristlenose) was on the bogwood (he wasn't when i first looked) and he sped off with some dim-white patches on his sides (almost symmetrical) when I disturbed him further. Looking at him when he was on the glass 30 mins later, no sign of anything.

I've just seen him chase the smaller b-nose out of the way, and again had the patches (with a few near his head which I hadn't noticed previously) They've again now disappeared completely.

Do bristlenoses markings change at all? Am I worrying over nothing?? please advise as this little guy is awesome (he's about 2") and I'd hate to not help him if I need to.

Thanks,

BFG

 

[WILDER]

They can change colour when stressed or try to fade into the background, just keep a close look out, is the plec laying to one side or laboured breathing.

 

[tttnjfttt]

also watch out for flashing (scratching) which would be a possible parasite infection.

 

[BFG]

Thanks for your replies. No laboured breathing, and he's wandering around the tank as always. no sign of any flashing.

I'm in the UK. If he starts to get laboured breathing / flashing etc, are there any particular meds that would be handy to have around if he displays certain signs? I'm not going to be trigger happy with dosing or anything, it would just be handy if I had them there to nip whatever it is in the bud.

Cheers for this.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.waterlife.co.uk/waterlife/protozin.htm

http/www.waterlife.co.uk/waterlife/myxazin.htm
http/www.waterlife.co.uk/waterlife/myxazin.htm

 

[kjb66]

Hi my bristlenose gets this its white patches looks like its shedding small patches of skin just behind his head at the sides nothing to worry about i dont think,mine has been doing this for over a year and ive noticed the one in my other tank does the same

 

[BFG]

Hi my bristlenose gets this its white patches looks like its shedding small patches of skin just behind his head at the sides nothing to worry about i dont think,mine has been doing this for over a year and ive noticed the one in my other tank does the same

ok. Thanks for the reassurance!