Black spots

[cageman]

My Mouthbrooder have black spots on their body.
In CAII, Roemer speaks about a Calcium problem.
However, from a few other sources I keep hearing that it is a parasitic problem.
For example:

 

[RiC]

Yep, metacercaria, a trematode parasite. I posted about this here:

http://forum.apistogramma.com/showthread.php?t=5878

As of now, no change in my fish, behavior is normal. I increased the water changes up to 60% per week, increased the temperature up to 82, I feed garlic, I treated once with PraziPro. Second treatment of Prazi is on its way, but I doubt it will be effective.

My female is quite yellow so it really looks like the parasite is not affecting them (which I have read everywhere, although some sources say that if the infection is too advanced, that can kill the fish).

 

[cageman]

Thanks for your answer.
You seem to be spot on with your answer.

The fish seem not to be bothered by the parasite. They breed and look very healthy. The infection seems stable as well. The youngsters show no sign of infection.
I think I will not treat the disease unless someone advises to do so.

 

[RiC]

All my books as well as sources say that they should not affect the fish. However, the spots have increased a little bit on my female and my male has one additional spot, this is why I decided to try to treat.

I'm waiting for the reply of a friend who's a biologist and researches parasites - and yes, she's a fishkeeper too - if she tells me something positive I'll post again :wink:

I have found on the net a product by Kordon that claims it treats BSD, but I'm not sure if I want to try it - I know that the Prazi is quite mild and should not affect the fish, but I don't know about the other medication.

 

[fishgeek]

ric have you sent your friend some samples from the fish, possibly to confirm neascus flukes as the cause?

though i guess if you have treated with prazi there shouldnt be adult flukes about anymore