Raised Scales?

[npila1]

[*]Test Results for the Following:

[*]Ammonia Level? 0

[*]Nitrite Level? 0

[*]Nitrate level? 0

[*]Ph Level, Tank (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)? 6.8-7

[*]Ph Level, Tap (If possible, KH, GH and chloramines)? 6.8

[*]Brand of test-kit used and whether strips or drops? API drops

[*]Water temperature? 74

[*]Tank size (how many gals.) and how long has it been running? 20 gallons, 3.5 months (planning to upgrade at some point but not sure when)

[*]What is the name and size of the filter(s)? Tetra/aquaculture 10-30 gallons

[*]How often do you change the water and how much? once or twice a week 30% each time

[*]How many fish in the tank and their size? 3 (1 comet, 2 commons), about 2.5 inches each

[*]What kind of water additives or conditioners? Prime

[*]What do you feed your fish and how often? progold 4 times a week, peas twice a week, banana once a week, freeze dried bloodworms twice a week

[*]Any new fish added to the tank? No

[*]Any medications added to the tank? Prazi Pro (I'm on day 30 right now, so almost done with the treatment)

[*]Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt," bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus? See below

[*]Any unusual behavior like staying at the bottom, not eating, etc.? See below

About 2 weeks ago I thought I saw some raised scales on one of my commons and I posted a topic with photos on the forum. People suggested that the scales in photos might look like that just because they are more shiny. So, I kept an eye on them, and now I'm starting to get worried because I think both of my commons have raised scales (or at least what looks to ME like raised scales) on the sides of their pectoral fins down to their pelvic fins. I only see the "raised" scales only at those areas (right behind the gills going down to the underside). To try to describe exactly what I see, it looks like the edges of the scales are "upturned"..Not so much that the entire scale is raised, but the edges are pointing upwards - and thus look shiny at certain angles. I'm also worried because one of the two commons may have a swollen belly, too.. I'm not sure I can distinguish whether he's just well fed or swollen, but I think he's chubbier than he used to be. The other thing is that the common I'm talking about, as well as the comet, have been bottom sitting for short amounts of time the past two days. They only sit for 2 minutes (usually with fin clamped) and then start swimming again. As far as I've seen, they only did this 3-4 times the past two days. So to summarize:

Lucky (common): raised scales on the sides next to pectoral fins, may have a swollen belly, occasional bottom sitting

Sparkle (common): no bottom sitting, raised scales on the sides next to the pectoral fins (a bit less than Lucky)

Twinkle (comet): no raised scales at all, occasional bottom sitting

I am going to upload pictures, but in the meantime I wanted to post this. I also wanted to add that they had good poops (at least the ones I've seen) the past couple of days, they have a great appetite, and they are very active (except for that occasional bottom sitting). Do you think this is dropsy?

[number20121]

Sounds a little bit like dropsy, or not? I know we got some experts on this here!

[npila1]

Here are the photos (remember to pay attention to the area behind the gills - right next to the pectoral fins and down to pelvic fins):

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSCF4019.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSCF4017.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSCF4013.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0061.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0045arrow.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0041.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0039.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0038.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0035.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0028.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0027.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0021.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0018.jpg

http://s932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/Scales%20and%20belly/?action=view&current=DSC_0014.jpg

[npila1]

Please...thoughts anyone?

[Kateana]

Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with your kids. I don't see any Dropsey symptoms, or even the stated "raised scales" near the operculum/head area. Concerning the pictures, I'd say you have nothing to worry about. I think this is just a case of another goldie mom overanalyzing. I've been there many times myself.

[npila1]

Thanks a lot for the reply Kateana. And yes, I totally know what you mean - I definitely overanalyze sometimes, but I can't help it!

So you don't see a swollen belly either? And would they lose their appetite if they had dropsy, or does that come at later stages? I just want to know for future reference... Also, is it bad to give them metromeds as a "precaution"?

[ashlee18]

Coming from someone that has had to deal with dropsy more times than I'd like to admit, I personally don't see anything in the side view pictures. On some I though I saw something but if I wasn't really been looking, I wouldn't see anything. I think we would need some clearer pictures from the top. I know that will be hard to do with the water but it would help.

Edited October 20, 2010 by ashlee18

[npila1]

Hi ashlee thanks for replying! I will try to take some more photos from the top tomorrow, during daylight - hopefully I can get a few clearer shots.

[Cynders]

Yep I really don't see anything either, try a top pic like ashlee suggested.

I would advise against feeding metromeds as a precaution if there's nothing really wrong with them. When you really do need the metro, then they won't work due to super bugs being created and things like that. It's like us taking cold medicine all the time if we get a cold or etc.

[Kateana]

Agreed, more top-view pictures would be great.

Thus far I don't think any of your goldies are sick. Lets keep it that way.

I forgot to mention before, your three are very cute. I have Commons and Comets of my own and I adore them just as much as my Fancys.

[ashlee18]

And would they lose their appetite if they had dropsy, or does that come at later stages? I just want to know for future reference...

My girl that has slight dropsy is still eating two weeks after I first noticed it. I think if it were more advanced she probably wouldn't be eating like a pig.

[npila1]

Agreed, more top-view pictures would be great.

Thus far I don't think any of your goldies are sick. Lets keep it that way.

I forgot to mention before, your three are very cute. I have Commons and Comets of my own and I adore them just as much as my Fancys.

Thanks! I love them like crazy

Hmm, thanks for the clarification ashlee. So having a great appetite doesn't rule out dropsy. I'll keep that in mind.

[amynmitchell]

They look perfectly fine to me. Dropsy is usually most noticeable in the early stages from a pretty swollen body. These just look like healthy commons to me.

[Lupin]

They look perfectly fine to me. Dropsy is usually most noticeable in the early stages from a pretty swollen body. These just look like healthy commons to me.

[npila1]

Thanks everyone for replying :] I'm definitely relieved to hear good news. I've taken some pictures from the top anyway though, as you had suggested.

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/STL%20from%20the%20top/DSC_00292.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/STL%20from%20the%20top/DSC_00272.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/STL%20from%20the%20top/DSC_0022.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad163/npila1/STL%20from%20the%20top/DSC_0020.jpg

[tehminion]

Yeah that last picture you posted is a really nice clear picture that looks like your fishie is nice and healthy. I don't see any raised scales or a swollen belly by the looks of it. Great looking fish!

[shellbell4ever]

yes I agree your commons look to be very healthy indeed great shots too!!!

[npila1]

Great, thanks guys!

This is unrelated, but what do you think about the gills (the last picture is the best for that)? They look dark when I look at them from the top. They had flukes and I'm at the end of the prazi treatment now. Is this what healthy gills should look like?