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Please help! I recently bought two Flag-Tailed Porthole Catfish (Dianema urostriatum)from my lfs, and added them to my 90-gallon catfish aquarium. One recently got sick, with frayed fins (dorsal and pectoral were the worst affected), with whitish areas on the sides of the body (not puffy like fungus, more like scale discoloration). I promptly did a large water change, but the fish died soon afterwards, less than a day after purchase. I returned to my lfs and they replaced him, but they didn't know what exactly what went wrong. I put the newly acquired fish into the tank, and then a few hours later noticed that the other fish I had originally bought started showing the same symptoms. Its condition did not worsen, however, and, trying to avoid any unnecessary stress, did not medicate. He survived for several days, but died yesterday, and up until then he did not appear to be any sicker, and the new fish that replaced the first fish seemed in absolute perfect health, showing no signs of disease. This morning I noticed that this surviving fish started showing these same symptoms, and I don't know what to do. I've checked my reference books but can't seem to find any diagnosis on the disease. I am hesitant to treat with anything because I am not sure exactly what it is. The other fish in the tank (2 Lima shovelnose catfish and 3 Midnight driftwood catfish) do not appear sick in any way. Any help would be appreciated immensely, and can be sent to me through e-mail, forum post, or personal message. If anyone can help, please do!!!!

Regards,
Eric Maxwell
Clifton Park, New York

Dianema urostriatum are quite skittish/shy fish that like there own company. Maybe the other tank-mates are stressing them out.

I agree with Graeme. The fish is uncomfortable with driftwood cats, which are mainly nocturnal. The Dianemas are trying to get some sleep then and can't. The barbels of the S.lima may disturb them as well. Then, for a shoaling fish, two is too little. They can't even find comfort among themselves.
I have no medical cure, but my best guess is to put it in another tank and buy some more or take it back to the LFS
(in both cases after it has been quarantined/ come to rest).
Good luck

Thank you both for your help, but unfortunately the catfish died last night, and my lfs does not have anymore and does not intend on stocking them again. The next time I have an encounter with these fish I will be sure to be more careful! I had no idea they were so sensitive.

Thanks again,
Eric