[firmbeliever]

This fish has an abnormal growth on its belly.
It is circular and looks like it is open and there is some whitish substance coming out of this.

I attached a picture.

Does anyone have any idea what it is?


EDIT:::Sorry the pic is not too clear, I had to ask it politely to stay still until I took this one.:)

[rpg219]

Try this site... Glimmering Goldfish Facts on Health Issues (dropsy, ick, fungus, parasites, swimbladder, and more)

Ulcers- Ulcers are open sores located on the fish's body. Ulcers are sores on the body caused by bacterial infection. You need to make very sure your water quality is immaculate. Check your pH and Ammonia as well as your Nitrite readings. Ulcers usually are caused by the Aeromonas bacteria or more rarely Pseudomonas bacteria. The ulceration may appear with red abscesses, or red edges around the ulcer. In some cases it can become rather large and expose muscles. Symptoms: The fish has one or more open sores on its body or at the base of its fins. The sore has a red abscess or red edges. The fish may also have red fin edges or fin rot. They may exhibit lack of appetite and sluggish behavior. Treatment: Usually antibiotics are needed and this is done by a series of injections. ( A vet would need to see the fish and give you the necessary prescription). However this is not always the best option for individuals and a product by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals has a great product called Mela Fix that has shown great results in the healing of ulcers. It is easy to use and does not create issues with the water quality. (back to top) Koivet.com has more info on MelaFix here.

[firmbeliever]

Thanks for the info.
This is not my fish, but the information you have provided on ulcers sounds like it.
It is near a fin and open sore.
The fish seems sluggish,not sure about lack of appetite though.

When I took this pic, I think I noticed some of the other fish had dark patches on its tail fin which were not there before.

It seems to have spread in this fish tank,because I noticed that other fish although not to this extent also has protruding abscess on its body.Some seemed more sluggish than this fish.
And some even had a sort of small bump on the underside of the belly smaller than what the pictured fish has.

[rpg219]

Yeah, I thought it sounded like it too. Most fish carry the same bacteria and scale problems. I figured if not, the site has some really good info on tanks.

[firmbeliever]

I will have to show the site to my friend.

Thanks again.:)

[AKaeTrue]

Hi Firm,
The Mela-Fix mentioned in the first response is going to be the best treatment option for the fish.
It's great at healing wounds fast, is 100% natural remedy, and treats a range of bacterial infections.
I'd also say by the looks of it, it is an ulceration of some sort.
This could have been caused by a bacterial infection, or another African cichlid could have nipped it and now it's infected - either way, mela-fix is a good treatment.
Hope everything works out.
The pic was an excellent help.

[firmbeliever]

Thanks Akae,
I was hoping you would give your input.

I will recommend the Mela-fix.Let you know later how it goes.

[AKaeTrue]

You're welcome
Would love to know if the fish pulls through
:)

[firmbeliever]

Update
Sorry to tell you that the fish in the pic did not make it.
But the medication in the tank is helping the other fishes get better.

[AKaeTrue]

I was worried about that... sorry to hear.

Are the other fish acting sick?

[firmbeliever]

I was worried about that...sorry to hear.

Are the other fish acting sick?

They seemed a bit off before but since my friend put in some anti-rot medication, they are getting better.