LEM504
01-24-2004, 12:11 AM
Hole in the Head
Over the years, I have seen any number of Discus with “Hole in the Head”, or at least Discus with holes in their face. It seemed to be a common problem in past years, but appears to be on the decline.
Today, I had the opportunity to observe a Discus, with what appeared to be a white worm protruding from it’s face. Would have parted with cash, to make closer inspection, but that opportunity was not available.
I did rush home for a camera, but unfortunately, what I thought would be good pictures, turned out to be almost worthless. Be happy to forward a couple to anyone interested,
But you will find them of no value.
The fish was one of maybe a half dozen adult discus, that someone had lost interest in and dumped on the local fish store. All showed signs of neglect at sometime in their life.
Several had deformed fins, that may have been caused by fin rot or fungus, and had grown out, some what deformed.
Most had holes in the head, and a couple had very large, irregular holes.
Close inspection of the white object, determined that it was not a worm, and showed no signs of life. Diameter was about that of a wooden kitchen match, and about ¼ inch long. Color - white.
When I returned with the camera, it was much shorter. It had either been broken off, or had dissolved in the water. The protruding end was no longer flat on the end, and my guess, is that it dissolved in the water.
Without any evidence to back it up, my guess, is some sort of infection, similar to what we get as white heads, black heads, or just plain old zits.
Anyone care to make a guess? The fish in question appeared to be in perfect health.
Clear eyes, normal color in the eyes, and no signs of any stress.
Larry
Over the years, I have seen any number of Discus with “Hole in the Head”, or at least Discus with holes in their face. It seemed to be a common problem in past years, but appears to be on the decline.
Today, I had the opportunity to observe a Discus, with what appeared to be a white worm protruding from it’s face. Would have parted with cash, to make closer inspection, but that opportunity was not available.
I did rush home for a camera, but unfortunately, what I thought would be good pictures, turned out to be almost worthless. Be happy to forward a couple to anyone interested,
But you will find them of no value.
The fish was one of maybe a half dozen adult discus, that someone had lost interest in and dumped on the local fish store. All showed signs of neglect at sometime in their life.
Several had deformed fins, that may have been caused by fin rot or fungus, and had grown out, some what deformed.
Most had holes in the head, and a couple had very large, irregular holes.
Close inspection of the white object, determined that it was not a worm, and showed no signs of life. Diameter was about that of a wooden kitchen match, and about ¼ inch long. Color - white.
When I returned with the camera, it was much shorter. It had either been broken off, or had dissolved in the water. The protruding end was no longer flat on the end, and my guess, is that it dissolved in the water.
Without any evidence to back it up, my guess, is some sort of infection, similar to what we get as white heads, black heads, or just plain old zits.
Anyone care to make a guess? The fish in question appeared to be in perfect health.
Clear eyes, normal color in the eyes, and no signs of any stress.
Larry