Pleco with mysterious white spot

[darylv]

Our pleco has developed a white spot on his tail that appeared suddenly and has not changed for the past couple of days. We were wondering what it is and whether it is harmful. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

This is his picture. The spot is on about the middle of his tail, on the side.

My Pleco

Thanks!

 

[Bloo]

White spots like that are never a good sign. It could be an underlying injury that's developing into a fungus / infection perhaps ? Without a real close-up of the white part, it's hard to say. Is it just a discoloration at this point, or can you see any surrounding white fuzzy growth ?

I would say it's most likely a fungal infection.

 

[Tolak]

I would say it looks fungal also. It could have started as a scrape, or a slight burn. Some plecs like to hide next to, or behind the heater.

Try water changes twice a week, at least 25%. This works for my plecs who tear up each other's fins now & then. They don't get any fungal or bacterial problems after their skirmishes.

Post where you are located, some meds are not available in all locations. If you are in the U.S., start with Maroxy, then methelyne blue if that doesn't work.

Tolak

 

[darylv]

Thank you very much for your help.

Right now it doesn't look like a growth. It looks more like it is a part of him. Neither is it furry/hairy.

pleco close-up

We were told to put salt for fungus but we are worried that this will affect the four clown loaches that share the tank with him. What is the best treatment?

 

[Tolak]

Plecs & salt is not a good idea, it is an irritant to them. If it isn't getting fuzzy or reddish around the edges I wouldn't worry about it. It could be part of the natural coloration, or an injury that is healing. Many times water changes will help a sick fish without needing medication. Injuries seem to respond best to this. It's cheap, easy, and is the most natural way of doing it. Let the fish's natural defenses solve the problem.

If that doesn't work, try the meds I suggested if they are available in your area.

Tolak

 

[FishEnthusiast]

That looks a lot like a burn to me. I had a plec that would rest right against the heater and burn his skin all the time. I eventually moved the heater so his body wouldn't touch it. This is of course based solely on your picture. I would follow the advice already given and keep an eye on him. If it is a burn, clean water and some extra stress coat should help.

 

[darylv]

Thanks for all your advice. After the water changes, the spot seems to be getting smaller. It might have been a burn because the heater was turned up higher because of a recent ich attack and it reached 93 around when this happened.

By the way, if there any way to tell which sex it is?