Two Issues

[goldenpuon]

One of my fish, Kona, a 4 inch goldfish in my 40 gallon has developed something I am a bit worried about as of late.

The fish has lost scales before but I noticed a fresh spot where it lost 4 in one place. As far as I can tell, it is not a wound.

What are the chances of it getting infected by pathogens?

Also, what might have caused it?

There are no sharp objects in the tank but there has been some minor aggression between it and another fish over food as of late. This show itself in occasional chasing/nipping and LOTS of pushing when they want to search the same part of the tank for food.

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Also, my black phantom tetras (there are 8 of them in a 10 gallon) seem to have constant tears in their fins. The four males in the tank often get territorial and chase the others away from their established spots in the tank.

I am pretty sure that the fish's fins heal on a regular basis.

However, is this normal in a school of semi-aggressive fish such as black phantom tetras?

Also, do the torn fins pose a major health risk to the fish, such as suseptability to pathogens infecting their fins?

[Carl]

Most of these problems seem a natural part of interaction between fish (although with Kona age may be a factor too)

Generally a fish will heal well if the tank is healthy, the fish are fed a balanced diet and your Redox Balance is good.

So my initial thought is to watch your fish, & make sure the environment is "top notch"

Make sure you follow as many steps as possible that I outline in my A Healthy Aquarium; Disease Prevention article. If you are missing any of these steps, try and add these as soon as you can.

If medication is needed, consider a simple treatment of Melafix first.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

"Most of these problems seem a natural part of interaction between fish (although with Kona age may be a factor too)"

That is good to hear although Kona does not seem "aged" like my two thin goldfish in the tank, Aztec and Foneme. I got Kona back in 2007 and the fish is super fat, eats like a nut, and is growing at an huge rate along with the goldfish Salyme.

I will keep an eye on the fish and add Melafix if needed. As well, I will make sure I keep up on cleaning (as I have/am) for the tank and take a look at your article.

Thanks for the help. Sounds like Kona and the tetras will be fine.