Now black spots / smudges

[stix0504]

When I woke this morning, 2 of my orandas are showing black 'spots'. One has it along the base of her dorsal fin and on the bottom of her face. This one also has black on the anal fins. The other one has two similar spots on her head.

They still are acting healthy. Is this something to be concerned about or effects of whatever they are getting over from previously? Ammonia levels, etc all reading fine......

Have you ever seen anything like this?

[goldenpuon]

I am unsure what this is. It would be a natural color change but I doubt it since the fish were sick very recently and it is happening on more than one. Unfortunately, I have never had this with my goldfish and don't know what it is. I am sure someone else can be of more help.

Sorry about that.

[stix0504]

I think I have found WHAT it is, Melanophore Migration, but now as to what caused it. Was it a reaction to the treatment? Or do/did they have flukes or some other type of problem. Since I have finished with their med treatment I have changed carbon, new micron, etc, and turned on my UV light. I will let that run for a day or so and see if any more spots develop. If so, I will probably need to turn my attention to something other than a reaction to the meds.

The spots are definitely worse today but they still act just fine, still eating, swimming, etc.

[fishfever]

If you are still bathing the fish I'd be inclined to swab the black spots with MB.

The bottom picture with the orange colored one sure looks like pop eyes (especially compared to the other one) but that may be the way he is since both eyes are like that.

[bikeguy33]

how are the gill plates.....often miscolored gill plates mean ammonia poisoning... these dark spots could very possibly be the fish equivilance of bruising as well. with the baths these guys are handled alot.

[stix0504]

Thanks guys. I really think it is the Melanophore Migration..Their gills look great, they are acting great, eating, swimming. I test their water parameters weekly normally but during this medication treatment it was tested daily.

So really, the only problem is just the discoloration. After researching on the Melanophore Migration I found some pictures and it looks identical to what they have. According to what I read, the discoloration is a sign of healing and it said that they should return to normal color within a week or a little longer.

These three haven't had the MB bath because I didn't feel with them that they needed it because almost immediately after I started medicating them last week they made drastic improvements. They aren't acting ill at all right now.

The one that looks like he has pop eyes, he has always looked that way. He is the funniest looking panda oranda I have had him since he was about 1 1/2 in long.

So I think rather than jump the gun with the meds (considering they just came off a 10 day cycle of heavy meds) I am going to wait and see if the discoloration improves or they start to act differently. I just hope I am not wrong.

If you guys think I am making a mistake feel free to give me your input. It is always appreciated and I think talking things over always helps people to make the best decision

[bikeguy33]

you are making a great decision. i feel the wait and see method is the best way to go as well. good luck and keep us informed...

[fishfever]

Sounds like you've done your homework and since the fish don't appear to be stressed and eating fine, doing nothing except watching sounds like an excellent strategy. The only thing I might check is to see if something mild and natural like Pimafix or Melafix is useful to promote or speed up healing. I know they can help with lots of skin and external issues (I don't know about this one though).

BTW, I hope that oranda with the telescope eyes never develops popeye as it would be kind of extreme!

[Carl]

I think you did some good homework!

I agree as well, although I have not heard this term used this way (I have always known it as simply as Melanophore changes, but his is certainly a more scientific way to put it)

I would simply watch your water parameters, although the swabs of MB suggested by Fishfever would cause little stress and would help if there is any underlying infection.

Water changes and adding back UV Sterilization, both will improve Redox, which IMO can affect Melanophore changes (keeping constant mineral ions supplied may also help)

Carl
(BTW, I am still out of town , just checking in from a borrowed computer)

[stix0504]

Thanks! Things are about the same so far. The third Oranda (blue) has no spots at all (which doesn't surprise me because she never acted too sick to begin with). Buttercup (the yellow cap) looks like her smudges are lighter, although she does have more smudges today. And Sliver (the bugged eyed one!) looks like someone plucked her out of the tank and rubbed her face in soot. All are ravenous and eating well, gills still look healthy, swimming great, interacting with each other.

I am going to order some Wonder Shells too. I am watching them very carefully for any signs of illness while going through this. I will keep you all posted on their progress.

[goldenpuon]

I'm glad your goldfish are doing well. You are a great fishkeeper, especially taking the time to research that. Awesome jobc aring for yoru fish! Keep up the good work!

[stix0504]

I wanted to post an update to this situation for any other people who might have this happen since information on this condition is hard to find online.

I think we have about another week yet before I anticipate all spots being gone.

First, let me show you how bad it became. These pictures were all taken while they were eating so they are motion shots and get a little blurry.

This is sliver and buttercup at the worst. Sliver was pretty much covered in black on her head, sides and fins.


Now almost gone.....Sliver has a few spots left on head, one on her side and still a bit on fins




This would have been quite scary had I not known what was happening as you can imagine.

They are all still swimming, eating and acting healthy. In fact, 2 days ago, Blue (the last oranda who never had any spots - bottom picture right side) layed eggs!! That is the second time she has done that since I have owned her.

[goldenpuon]

Thanks for posting how the fish have progressed with these black smudges/spots. Thank you for posting, especially since there is a lack of info on this. I will keep an eye out for this in my goldfish.

Congrats on the eggs Blue laid as well!

[babygeige]

What a strange thing to happen! I'm glad it's clearing up though!