White spot (discoloration) on plec

[Bloo]

CFC or SirM, I am hoping either of you (or anyone else for that matter!) can advise. Tonight I noticed a slight discoloration on one of my L255's - either side of the front of the dorsal fin. I cannot see anything else, and the fish is otherwise (in my opinion) looking healthy. What could this be ? I'm quite concerned as I lost one of these within the first couple of days (2) of arriving (that was probably about 7 weeks ago now - and it had similar discoloration
I know the pic isn't that great, and it hardly seems visible, but that's the best I could do.
Nitrites 0, Nitrates 10, Ammonia 0, PH 8.2 (I know the PH is high, could this be it ?)

 

[wrs]

wow that Ph is high, plecos usually like it low, as they are from south america.

 

[Bloo]

Yeah I know, but that's what London water is and all my other plecs have always been absolutely fine and still are in fact.....

 

[WILDER]

There is a desease called saddle back columnaris, i will leave you a link to see what you think.
http/article.dphnet.com/cat-02/columnaries.shtml

 

[Bloo]

Thanks Wilder - I knew you might have an inclination
Long article that I will read carefully - I've just skimmed through it, but there is a LOT of in-depth information in there that I need to understand. But so far it probably looks the most likely
Though I find it puzzling that the 1st fist died within two days of arrival. I was fine in the evening, and by the next morning it was belly up with large white discoloration all over it's body. On reflection, possibly due to immense stress as it was shipped into the country and they shipped further on to me.

The other fish that came with it, have been absolutely fine since. I have a filtration system way over tank requirements and do very regular water changes etc. etc. so guess it must be due to shipping stress.

What I'm also a bit puzzled with is that fact that it says columnaris spreads quickly and can kill very fast. How come the other fish have been fine since ?

Oh well, it can't harm to treat it with bacterial meds as I really don't fancy a dead fish. Or more as they case might be.....
Thanks Wilder, - will let you know how it goes.

In the mean time, if anyone else has any furhter ideas, I'd be happy to hear !

 

[WILDER]

Severe stress can cause a fish to break out in it, as the columnaris lives in the tank, and it only takes a stressed fish to kick in, do some water changes and replace the med back to the water removed, good luck.

 

[Bloo]

Wilder, I thought you might like to know that I've spoken to a plec breeder / seller who've kept both L034 and L255 he said they quite often have those markings as the norm, and suggest *not* to medicate.
I was about to buy some meds today and treat them, but in light of his advice (and pictures of his fish with the exact markings) I've decided against it.
Will let you know in time how it turns out.

 

[WILDER]

Good hope there is nothing to worry about.