L204 - white skin around his head and nose

Zohar · Post by **Zohar** » 11 Mar 2006, 09:48

I bought two days ago 5 L204 at about 9 cm and put them in a 60L tank. I just notice that one of them has very white skin around his head and nose. What it could be? He is active. Could it be bites from the others L204? Stress ? They just arrived from Pero 4 days ago.

The tanks has only those 5 L204 and some very small brushnoses (~4cm). Water are good, the brushnoses live there for long time.

Should i worry? what can i do to help?

Zohar

Post by **Janne** » 11 Mar 2006, 09:54

You should separate that specie from the other and watch how he/she develope, it can be some sort of parasite or bacteria infection. The tank is very small for 5 species of L204 in that size...you are asking for trouble, even if your intention is to just keep them in that tank for a short time.

Janne

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 11 Mar 2006, 10:04

To help you further we wil need full water parameters and some photos.

I agree with Janne, this tank is far too small for five L204.

The best thing you can do is move them asap to a larger tank.

Zohar · Post by **Zohar** » 11 Mar 2006, 11:37

I thing is a territory issue, i have one big one that run after all the others. I added more hiding places, but i am note sure what else i could do. I will not move new fishes to my main tank, am i????

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 11 Mar 2006, 12:22

I will not move new fishes to my main tank, am i????

It depends what's in your main tank.

You're options are.....

1. Move a some of the L204 to main tank.
2. Provide more hiding places and hope they don't get worse.
3. Buy another fish tank.

Obviously option 3 is the best, but bear in mind that even with an established filter and decor, you will have to feed sparingly carefully watch nitrite and ammonia.

Do they have wood?

To help you further we wil need full water parameters and some photos.

This will help a lot in working what is wrong with them.

Waldo · Post by **Waldo** » 12 Mar 2006, 00:37

While not giving you much more help I'd vote with the majority. Panaque can be aggressive towards other plecs. The white could very well be from sucking matches where they compete over territory.

Zohar · Post by **Zohar** » 12 Mar 2006, 08:13

Thanks.

The tank has drizzle water exchange and i am only cheking the conductivity. The water should be ok.

I think you are right, the most problematic fish is the second in size fish (look like male, as some as the big one).

Where is the point where it become dangerous to the fish?

Zohar

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 13 Mar 2006, 13:47

Where is the point where it become dangerous to the fish?

Without a photo it is very hard to diagnose the possible disease.