Hello, I just noticed that my Blue Diamond Discus has a white spongy growth on one side of his head and he is breathing very heavily. His gills are opening a lot more than the other Discus. His fins are moving normally. His color has turned really dark. Please assist!
With breathing difficulties, give immediate aeration.
I would isolate this fish in a hospital tank, in case this is contagious.
Just looking in my "Manual of Fish Health", it may be fish pox (viral), nodular disease (microsporidian and myxosporidian parasites), a tumour, or lymphocystis (viral). For all of these conditions, the text says there are no reliable treatments, although fish pox is rarely fatal. It also says that surgical removal of tumours or lymphocystis growths, by a vet, may be successful.
Thank you. I have just isolated it and for some reason, the color seems to have lightened somewhat and the breathing has improved but the rate is still higher than normal. I am continuing to pump air into the tank. Lets see what happens.....Originally Posted by Jacques
This fish also appears to have flagellates (white faeces) so I have started a treatment of metronidazole. Although I'm not certain, but I think the breathing problem may be due to flukes. I have started salt baths and the condition appears to be improving. I guess I'll just continue and see how things go.....
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