Check out the spots in her face. These could be the beginnings of “head and lateral line erosion syndrome” (HLLE), if they’re forming pits. It seems to be confined to fish belonging to the groups: surgeonfish (like the blue tang) and butterfly fishes.
It’s still a syndrome because there’s been no definite causal agent identified. There are, however, many factors associated with the disease. Stress, poor water quality, improper diet, parasitic infestations and the use of charcoal in the filtration.
Read more about HLLE here –
In a recent publication, successful treatment incorporated topical application of a wound healing gel called Regranex which contains 0.01% becaplermin (recombinant platelet-derived growth-factor).
But you’ll be glad to know that these feckles are actually normal in healthy mature fish (thanks to the feedback from avid aquarists). Though, if they’re forming pits, definitely investigate whether it is HLLE.
And just for laughs, read about the movie mistakes in Finding Dory at this link.
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Yours sincerely,
Dr Richmond Loh
DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics& Pathobiology), CertAqV, NATA Signatory.
Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist.
PERTH | MELBOURNE | SYDNEY | TOWNSVILLE
THE FISH VET – AUSTRALIA.
Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.
Ph: +61 421 822 383
