Dark spots on harlequin file fish

[alannasfishies]

Hi guys
I have two orange spotted filefish that are doing great right now and chubby off masstick. They’re definitely my favorite fish.

So I was really happy when I saw a third for free one on Facebook from someone who was breaking down their tank. I was really disappointed when I noticed after he arrived that he’s covered in dark uniform marks and behaving strangely. He first swam in circles almost like he had a neurological problem, then he nose dived, then he swam normally for a second (this is all in the water he came in). I acclimated him to QT water and he seemed to be doing even worse. I assumed he’d die in QT as he was belly up but he’s been holding on (he arrived around 9am and was dropped off by someone who lived close by) and has now nose dived into a piece of fake coral decor I keep in the QT setup. Is this a disease or something that can be treated?

I am not too knowledgeable about fish diseases I’ve been lucky enough not to have had a fish with one so maybe it’s an obvious one. The owner told me the water conditions were bad as it was her sons neglected tank from when he moved out. I’ve attached a photo here. I really hope he’s not a goner.

 

[ReeferHD]

sounds like it could be stress or from parasites, @Jay Hemdal @fishguy242 #fishmedic

 

[alannasfishies]

Another pic

 

[Pickle_soup]

sounds like it could be stress or from parasites, @Jay Hemdal @fishguy242 #fishmedic

I am leaning toward stress

 

[vetteguy53081]

Another pic

Need clearer pics under white lighting as I can barely see anything.

Hi guys
I have two orange spotted filefish that are doing great right now and chubby off masstick. They’re definitely my favorite fish.

So I was really happy when I saw a third for free one on Facebook from someone who was breaking down their tank. I was really disappointed when I noticed after he arrived that he’s covered in dark uniform marks and behaving strangely. He first swam in circles almost like he had a neurological problem, then he nose dived, then he swam normally for a second (this is all in the water he came in). I acclimated him to QT water and he seemed to be doing even worse. I assumed he’d die in QT as he was belly up but he’s been holding on (he arrived around 9am and was dropped off by someone who lived close by) and has now nose dived into a piece of fake coral decor I keep in the QT setup. Is this a disease or something that can be treated?

I am not too knowledgeable about fish diseases I’ve been lucky enough not to have had a fish with one so maybe it’s an obvious one. The owner told me the water conditions were bad as it was her sons neglected tank from when he moved out. I’ve attached a photo here. I really hope he’s not a goner.

There is a normal black marking on tail. The dark crest on belly indicates this is a male. Cant see rest in pic

 

[alannasfishies]

Need clearer pics under white lighting as I can barely see anything.

There is a normal black marking on tail. The dark crest on belly indicates this is a male. Cant see rest in pic

I know what the gender spot is. I do have 2 others. I’m talking about the darker brown spots on the body of the fish. Unfortunately I can’t catch him right now he’s hiding in some macros but I’ll try to get a picture later. My other ones do not have these marks.

 

[alannasfishies]

Need clearer pics under white lighting as I can barely see anything.

There is a normal black marking on tail. The dark crest on belly indicates this is a male. Cant see rest in pic

Please see in comparison to one of my healthy ones, not talking about the fin.

 

[The Roaming Reefer]

I can second that the dark spots are just stress coloring. If he’s “twitching” he may have flukes

 

[alannasfishies]

I am leaning toward stress

You were right. I just netted him to take a picture and the dark spots are gone

 

[alannasfishies]

sounds like it could be stress or from parasites, @Jay Hemdal @fishguy242 #fishmedic

You were right! Seems like stress dots. And he is colored and back to normal

 

[alannasfishies]

I can second that the dark spots are just stress coloring. If he’s “twitching” he may have flukes

You are right! They are gone now. He is isn’t twitching anymore but I am going to research flukes so I know what it is thank you

 

[vetteguy53081]

Please see in comparison to one of my healthy ones, not talking about the fin.

These are stress marks which will go away. Assure good water quality and diet. Is fish eating for you?