Sick Bala Shark

[Miko]

Hi guys.

First post for me. I've been a regular reader on this forum and have found it very informative and educational and have long thought about registering to join in with some of the chit-chat.

However I now have a reason to post and that is that I noticed last night that a 7 inch silver (bala) shark of mine seems to have developed a light coloured mouldy growth right on the middle of its side? The growth is about 5mm in diameter.

This was causing problems for the poor fish as one of my tiger barbs seemed to be attacking this area on the fish constantly.

All water parameters seemed to be fine. Is there anything I can or should do to help this beautiful (and my favourite) fish?

Thanks.

 

[platypus]

Hi,

Is the growth sort of white and cottony? If so it could be a fungus. Have a look at
this website which has pics of diseases. Hope it helps!

 

[Miko]

Thanks for the website platypus.

It's a grey/brown colour and is on the surface of the fish. ie not like cotton and sticking out (hope that makes sense lol!)

 

[platypus]

Hi Miko,

If it's a brown colour it could be velvet. Do you think the patch has been caused by the tiger barbs attacking it?

Do you have access to a digital camera? If you could post a pic of the area that would be really useful.

In the meantime, have you done any water changes recently? It may help to do an immediate 20% change, and see if this perks your fish up.

 

[Miko]

Hi platypus

It is a light brown colour, so could be velvet as you say.

The shark and the tiger barbs have always got along fine, so i get the impression that the barb(s?) are attacking the patch because it has developed, rather than the barbs causing the patch.

Sorry I dont have access to a digital camera (yet!).

I done my usual 20% water change about 1 week ago, but shall do another tonight (good idea ) and keep an eye on the fish over the weekend.

Thanks

 

[Eelzor]

If the barbs and the shark have never fought in any way, and now the barbs are picking on the sharks "wound", then the shark is infected in some way. Like playpus said, most likely a fungus of some sort.

 

[CFC]

If you can seperate the shark to a quarentine tank to avoid the strees being caused by the barbs or if this isnt possible try to divide the tank so the shark has a section of its own.
I seriously doubt the infection is velvet, velvet usually looks like the fish has a very fine dusting of gold spots like glitter, it is more likely that the fish has scraped its self on something and the wound has become infected.
I would recomend starting the fish on a course of mxyazin which is a good broad spectrum anti bacterial medication (if you are in the UK, if in US try a different malchite green based med).

 

[Miko]

Thanks CFC - I'll seperate the fish tonight and keep the light out to keep stress levels low. Tomorrow I'll see about buying the medication you suggest.

Once again, thanks guys.