Black Marks on fish?!

**cabrego** · 04-17-2008, 01:07 AM

Howdy,

I notice one of my fish appears dirty, there are black marks on the belly area, on its about half of her lips (like black lipstick) and around various fins. Does anyone have a clue what this could be.

I have quarantined her for a couple of days now with melafix and pimafix, I have also thrown in a parasite tablet. Any ideas?

**cocoa_pleco** · 04-17-2008, 01:28 AM

what kind of fish?

**SkinnyChicken** · 04-17-2008, 01:45 AM

Yeah, what Cocoa said but something I found out earlier that may be worth investigating ...

Black spot is a disease caused by the larvae of parasitic digenetic flukes, Cercaria and Metacercaria. This type of parasitic infestation is most common in wild caught fish and pond fish. Affected fish will have small black spots measuring about 2 millimeters in diameter, found anywhere on the fish's body and fins.

It is typical for African Cichlids, however, to have little black spots, especially around their mouths. These are scabs, which have resulted from digging in the gravel or from fighting, and should not be mistaken for black spot disease.

**cabrego** · 04-17-2008, 01:57 AM

This fish appears to be a faded flowerhorn/red texas, not sure exactly but it is definitely a south/central american.

If I didnt know better I would say that it was just dirt or something, it is not really entirely spotty, but there is one spot on the fishes head and other sort of blochy type marks. Thanks for the replies...I can post some pictures if you think it will help.