What's wrong with my fish? White spots, raised scales, swimming low.

It could be early ich (white spot) infection or another infection (bacterial or fungal). To be safe, separate him into a quarantine tank and monitor for any change. You can treat for ich as you did it in the past if indicated. Bacterial and fungal infections have different treatments, so I would be hesitant to recommend a specific medication without more information or a definitive diagnosis. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt). As a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection of many types and to aid in recovery. This can be added to the quarantine tank at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess the condition.

This could be bacterial or parasitic infection. It is difficult to determine definitively since the image provided is not clear. Fish can be difficult to photograph. Basic care includes checking water quality and chemistry. This can be done using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. There should be an absence of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20-60 ppm. pH should be as close to 7 as possible, avoiding large swings. Koi can tolerate a wide range in temperature, but generally do best between 65 F and 75 F. Again, avoid large swings in temperature to prevent stress or shock. If necessary, a partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and/or improve water quality. If you have other koi, consider placing this one in a hospital tank to make treatment easier and to prevent spread if the condition is infectious. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used to reduce stress, impro

Thanks for reaching out about your aquarium and including photos. Did you test your water quality prior to the water change? Continue to test for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Pristine water quality is needed for health. Are any of the fish new, that could have introduced parasites? Itching/flashing can be due to water quality, external parasites, bacterial or viral infections and other causes. The white lesions on the photo could be fungal infections. A skin scrape and examination under the microscope (at a veterinarian's office) is needed for an attempt to determine a cause. Fungal infections are often secondary problems, so check water quality first. Good luck.

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection. Less likely is a parasite. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Maintain water temp between 78 F and 80 F. Consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or an all-in-one type treatment. Either can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment if indicated. You can also add in some plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) to reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Salt can be used in conjunction with an antibiotic or other treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Fish. Test and correct water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. If all fish are affected, water quality problems the most likely. Alteration can lead to increased mucous production from the skin (white stuff), but fungal dermatitis or parasites are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended if the water quality if appropriate, to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

A photo of the fish would be helpful if you can get one. It could be infection, injury or parasites. Any new fish, ideally, should be quarantined for at least 2 weeks before being staffed to the main tank. For now, quarantine the fish. Treat with a broad spectrum dewormer. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Maintain pristine water quality and add in some plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt). This will reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water in a cup or two of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for no more than 14 days then reassess the condition

Thank you for your question, and thanks for the pictures - they are very helpful! Unfortunately, there are many things that can result in white ares on the skin of fish. As you mentioned, Ich is one of them, and this is a type of parasite. There are other parasites that cause white areas, and there are also types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause them too. In addition to this, it may be tissue, as you mentioned above as well - this tissue would be abnormal, and may be benign or malignant in nature. Due to this, it would be ideal to have Curly seen by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can take a sample of the white areas and can evaluate the material under the microscope. This will help to guide what type of treatment would be needed for Curly (example: antibiotics, anti-parasitics, anti-fungals). I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope that Curly feels better soon!

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection. Saprolegnia type of fungus are fairly common and can cause commonly these signs. The approach must be radical in your case as water quality can actually be a predisposing factor for this type of infection. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consulta

Thanks for reaching out about Ares and including photos. White cottony growths are often associated with fungal infections, which are normally secondary to other problems. Wounds, suboptimal water quality and parasites could be the initial cause. Test and correct water quality. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. There are commercially available fungal treatment available but use with caution, especially without getting a confirmed diagnosis first. If aggression from other fish suspected, might need to be separated. Good luck.

Hello, These circular, white bumps appear similar to "ich", which is a protozoan infection in freshwater fish. Here is a link to learn more: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ich-in-freshwater-fish-causes-treatment-and-prevention/ I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.