Urgent advice Red Tailed Shark

Nick · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

Hi

We've had a Red Tail Shark in our tank for a while. I would estimate about
6-8 years. Over the last couple of years it looks like he has developed
something under his scales on his side. All gis scales are lifting. He still
seems lively enough but I fear the worst.

Is their anything I can do ?

Cheers

Archived from group: alt>aquaria>tropical>fish>hobbist

Neckmeats · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

>We've had a Red Tail Shark in our tank for a while. I would estimate about
>6-8 years. Over the last couple of years it looks like he has developed
>something under his scales on his side. All gis scales are lifting. He still
>seems lively enough but I fear the worst.

Unfortunately, there are a quite a few fish diseases that can cause those
symptoms, but it is most likely a bacterial infection called pseudomiasis or
even dropsy. Either case, it's bacteria causing the issue. Check your nitrate
levels; they are most likely pretty high. Try and clean your gravel as best you
can and remove any dead/dying plants if you have any. I would also recommend a
large water change, slight increase in temperature, and some aquarium salt. You
can also try some medicated foods. If you do, do not feed the fish for a day or
so, and then start the medicated food. I have always had luck with medication
containing tetracycline to rid any pseudomona or dropsy type bacteria.
You mentioned that you've seen the lifted scales for about a year? If so, it
may be too late. Hopefully, you'll get this turned around - good luck!

Nick · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

"Neckmeats" wrote in message @ue.ph...
> >We've had a Red Tail Shark in our tank for a while. I would estimate
> >about
>>6-8 years. Over the last couple of years it looks like he has developed
>>something under his scales on his side. All gis scales are lifting. He
>>still
>>seems lively enough but I fear the worst.
>
> Unfortunately, there are a quite a few fish diseases that can cause those
> symptoms, but it is most likely a bacterial infection called pseudomiasis
> or
> even dropsy. Either case, it's bacteria causing the issue. Check your
> nitrate
> levels; they are most likely pretty high. Try and clean your gravel as
> best you
> can and remove any dead/dying plants if you have any. I would also
> recommend a
> large water change, slight increase in temperature, and some aquarium
> salt. You
> can also try some medicated foods. If you do, do not feed the fish for a
> day or
> so, and then start the medicated food. I have always had luck with
> medication
> containing tetracycline to rid any pseudomona or dropsy type bacteria.
> You mentioned that you've seen the lifted scales for about a year? If so,
> it
> may be too late. Hopefully, you'll get this turned around - good luck!
>

Thanks very much. I'll give your suggestions a try. He's had the liftrd
scales for about 5 days ...