Cardinal problem..

Just to add to the probs going on in my cichlid tank, I now have a couple of cardinals in my community tank who have got 'something'

Here are a few pics, best I could get but i think you can see what i'm talking about

First one has developed dark patches...




Second one has 2 white lumps and they stick out a fair bit. They look as though you could pull them out, like giant splinters..




Just to add.. water params are Am - 0, nI - 0, nA - <10, pH 7.4

Nothing new added recently

Oh Munchy, you're not having much luck at the mo are you? I wouldn't know what to suggest other than seperate them from any other fish and perhaps try a general melafix type treatment?

Have a look in the fish care info just in case that gives you any clues too.

The last one looks a bit like somekind of fungus or bacterial infection, the black spotted one could be the end result of the same thing, where the nerves have suffered (possibly temporary) damage and have made these areas on the fish keep a dark pigmentation

If they are new fish, id say take em back, no one wants duff fish, and you especially dont want it spreading to other fish.

these have been in the tank for about 18months

That is bad news Munchycarrot, how are they now, OK?

They look the same, they do not swim normally as there tails are twisted... im wondering about putting them out of there misery

Oh, that's bad news. Are they eating ok?

Oh that's bad, I havent had to do that to a fish yet - the only deaths I had was because I cycled with fish , but I would hae to have to do that!

They are eating Diana which is making me think i don't want to euthanise but i'm certain that whatever they have is only going to get worse. I just don't know which way to go, waiting may increase their suffering and they can't really shoal with the others coz they can't keep up with them.

It probably is best that you do - you don't know if they could pass it on do you (can't remember if they are in a tank on their own - you have too many fish!!)

it does look like patches of dead skin. I can only think of some anti bacterial meds, Melafix etc. Hope they're ok.

Lol they are in my community tank with loaches, gouramis, black widow tetra, plec, rumy nose tetra. About 40 in total, i might see how they go and fish em out later. I'm adding melafix, the white bits on the one in the pic have turned black now & the tails are very twisted

That sounds bad Munchy, have you any idea yet what might have caused it?

I haven't got a clue tardis, i'm stumped. All the other fish are fine, water params are good.. it's just one of them things I think. Can't think of anything else