Just curious if anyone knows if fish loose and replace scales as a matter of usual activity. My big male fairy wrasses seems to have a few scales that are lighter in color, and I did see one fall off. He seems to be scratching himself on the rocks a little bit every now and then too. He's feeding normally, and other then a a few scales a bit faded then usual and him scratching those select few scales, there's no symptoms of problems. No disease comes to mind, but if you can think of one, let me know.
Do fish "molt" scales?
- Thread starter Len
- Start date
I'm wondering if it has flukes. The lightened scales only occur on the top of the fish right below the dorsal fins, mostly on one side.
Here's a picture of the fish, healthy. The lightened area is the dark red stripe.
I can't seem to take a photo that can demonstrate what I'm talking about. He only scratches very infrequently (maybe once an hour), but any scratching is alarming to me. It doesn't use the service of my cleaner shrimps or gobies, but it has in the past (though rarely). His breathing rate is fine, and eats like a pig.
Fish in my tank tend to heal on their own, but this is a new symptom for me. I hope it's nothing. The fish is now impossible to catch (long story behind it
)
Here's a picture of the fish, healthy. The lightened area is the dark red stripe.
I can't seem to take a photo that can demonstrate what I'm talking about. He only scratches very infrequently (maybe once an hour), but any scratching is alarming to me. It doesn't use the service of my cleaner shrimps or gobies, but it has in the past (though rarely). His breathing rate is fine, and eats like a pig.
Fish in my tank tend to heal on their own, but this is a new symptom for me. I hope it's nothing. The fish is now impossible to catch (long story behind it
)Ya, I think it may be a fluke (no pun intended!) too. He seems to be getting better on his own though.
I can't remove it because it is afraid of nets, traps, and any artificial item. I used to be able to catch it at night, but since my first successful attempt (he escaped from the container the day after ... ask bill2) he sleeps way in the back of the tank behind lots of rocks.
I can't remove it because it is afraid of nets, traps, and any artificial item. I used to be able to catch it at night, but since my first successful attempt (he escaped from the container the day after ... ask bill2
) he sleeps way in the back of the tank behind lots of rocks.Another update: fish is definitely getting better.
An interesting note: Right after feeding time, I observed the fish doing quirk jerking motions. I thought it had something to do with the skin infection, but apparently, other healthy specimens (the smaller male and the female) have been observed doing this from time to time as well. I'm now thinking it's just a way to force food down their mouths. These guys gorge like pigs and packrat more food into their mouths then they can digest at one time.
An interesting note: Right after feeding time, I observed the fish doing quirk jerking motions. I thought it had something to do with the skin infection, but apparently, other healthy specimens (the smaller male and the female) have been observed doing this from time to time as well. I'm now thinking it's just a way to force food down their mouths. These guys gorge like pigs and packrat more food into their mouths then they can digest at one time.
Len, how long have you had this fish? I'm doubtful that it's flukes Len because those little guys have a rather convoluted, involved life cycle involving sheep poo and terrestrial snails if I remember correctly.
Unless your house is really weird, it can't be flukes. :wink:
Unless your house is really weird, it can't be flukes. :wink:
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