Catfish Skin Conditions?

[VirgoWolf]

My rescue channel cat is doing great, he has actually built up enough muscle to dart around the tank instead of a slight filter flow tossing a 14" catfish into the corner, his spine seems to be straightening a bit, and he's eating more than he needs too (little stink)... But now that all his flesh wounds have healed and he was looking really good, he all the sudden started flashing and then developed some light blotches, mostly towards the top of his body near his dorsal fin. He still seems fine other than the splotches and occasional flashing.

The oscar that is in with him seems to be fine, he's not flashing and he doesn't have any splotches. Other than the scrapes and bruises from the catfish running into him, he's perfect.


Any idea as to what this could be? I have been treating with Melafix since I got them due to the open wounds the cat had and the lack of fin and scales the oscar came with(out), and I started treating Prazi Pro thinking this might be some kind of parasite, so if it's not a parasite, I would like to find out ASAP being that we paid $60 for this bottle of Prazi and I would rather not use any more of it if I don't have to LOL.

 

[drake53]

pics

picture please*SUPERSMIL

 

[VirgoWolf]

Now looks like the oscar has something similar.... ugh, I just need to get them through quarentine, I need this tank...

These are the best pics I could get, they were darting all over looking for food and woulden't hold still! LOL

Cat:

Oscar:

Both:

 

[Lotus]

It looks like some kind of bacterial infection. There are many antibiotics at the LFS for treating these symptoms.

 

[VirgoWolf]

Any idea what could cause this? Seems to have come out of nowhere after they were doing so well...

Any suggestions for meds? I'll take a peak into my meds drawer and see what I have.... it's been so long since I had to use anything other than melafix or Prazi, I forget what's in there LOL.

 

[Lotus]

It's most likely some kind of stress. It's possible the catfish is getting freaked out by no cover in the tank (I don't really know the whole history), or perhaps a water quality problem.

 

[VirgoWolf]

well I doubt it's water quality because I have been panicy about keeping the water clean beause of the condition the oscar was in when I got them... there is no cover int he tank, it's just barebottom quarentine and he's too big to hide in any cover I have avilable anyway LOL, but he's never had cover, not here and not in the 20gal he was in before I got him, so I don't know if that would be the cause either... neither of them seem stressed at all, they both seem to just be enjoying the extra space and they know me, when I come to the tank, they both go nuts begging for food and nearly jump out of the water for food... I hate the unknown ... fishkeeping would be so much less frustrating without it! LOL

 

[Lotus]

Well, re-reading your original post, I'd say it could be just because they've been in poor health/conditions until now, and have lowered immune systems. An antibiotic that lists similar symptoms should help get rid of it. Just remember to treat for the whole course of meds and test water quality (some antibiotics can cause a mini cycle, so check ammonia/nitrites).

 

[Katie217]

I think Lotus has got it covered, but I just wanted to say that you've done a great job with that oscar, hes looking great compaired to when you first got him! Even with the little skin things! Good job

 

[VirgoWolf]

Thanks Katie Yeah, he has fins now! LOL And... he can SWIM! not just float around... If the catfish would stop knocking him around, he'd be looking even better... I can't wait to get them out of this tank!

I just wish they didn't have to go through all of this... I took them so they woulden't have to suffer and now they come up with this... I just feel bad for them.

I really want to get them through this so I can get the oscar in with the big boys and see how they get along and get the catfish out of here, either in the pond or in someone elses pond LOL. Then I can use this tank for pond QT/growout... but first we have to get over this mess.

 

[VirgoWolf]

Well I have an update...

I am thinking it was some sort of parasite... the flashing seems to have subsided and the splotches are nearly gone!

Catfish is back to tossing the oscar around, which is making him a little weak, but he's still eating and has no visible damage, so hopefully it all works out... I think I will observe them for at least another week before I assume anything. If all seems well then, I will see if I can find somneone with an appropriately large pond for the catfish, although last resort he will go in our pond.

Oscar will be introduced to my other oscars and the dempsey will be removed, hopefully the boys will be so happy to be rid of Big Blue that they will accept this guy with open ... fins?

 

[FreshwaterJeff]

Great news -- I hope things continue to go well for those two. I can't help but think how lucky they must think they are to have landed with such a careful caretaker as you

 

[VirgoWolf]

Awww Thanks Jeff... I am a sucker for animals in need, expecially fish since the majority of the world sees them as disposable and even most of the ones who really appreciate them, don't know how to properly care for them.