Hi All

I'm new to the foum and new to koi fish. I moved into a house (in Cape Town) with an existing koi pond about 6 months ago. I have 6 koi fish and one algae eater.

The koi are all healthy, I think, if I should go by books and the internet. I backwash the pump every two weeks and have a biological filter as well.

The problem is that the algae eater (gold and about 20cm long) has open wounds on his belly and now swims so that the wounds are exposed to air. I've treated him with Friar's Balsem for the last three days, applying the friars balsem to the affected areas once a day. I've also added a some salt in the area where he normally swims. The pond is due for cleaning this weekend.




Does anyone know what this is or how to heal him? Will he infect the other fish?

Please help!!

Vernon

That looks like a Plecostomus. Its a tropical fish that some people in South africa keep in their koi ponds aswell. They sometimes do not survuve the winters as the water muct be above 14'c for them to survive.

The wounds are ulcers. I would not know where to start with treating it as its a tropical fish but from what you say it sounds like its not going to make it. sorry.

Hi Vernon,

These wounds or Ulcers as we know them have gone too far for a small fish and I really don't think it is worthwhile trying to do anything. You may have stood a chance if diagnosed earlier on. However I would take a swab and send it in to know what is active in my pond or tank for later reference.

This situation is mostly associated with poor water quality and or management. You should have a good look at your stocking density and your filtration it may need some attention. A large water change and water treatment may be necessary in your case to clear the problem.

I think its to late for the Plec to make it. Had some in my tank as well and they tough fish but if they get sick they normally die.

Now the next question??? People will kill me for this but I will give it a try.

Why can’t we use proper human ointment or medicine on Koi? I had / and still have a huge problem with my one eye and went for an operation and they gave me medicine for the healing process which I think is a brilliant product.

Can we not use / try it on Koi and seal it with balsam??? It is called CHLORAMEX ophthalmic ointment made by ASPEN. Kills most bacteria and they use it world wide

Well you can use some ointment on koi. I used Bactoban ointment on my koi lastyear with some success. I figure the main problem is to keep in on the koi while its in the water. Bactoban does not seal very well with frairs balsam.

Hi Guys

There is no medicine just for Koi, all Koi medicine are either as used by humans or for animals, we then adapt it for out koi, so ye Marius go ahead and use it, just take care of overdosing in some instances.

Wayne, as for the sticking to the wound, you can use a good quality Bentonite it will keep it there for long enough to do its job. Some meds have already done their job in as little as 1 minute.
Just for info: in case you have nothing to use pure Bentonite only, over the wound will also help.

Thanks for the posts - appreciate it.

I wish there was a human ointment that could save him but from your replies it seems too late. I'll remove him from the pond and keep him in a fish tank.

Vernon,

Quote :

The koi are all healthy, I think, if I should go by books and the internet. I backwash the pump every two weeks and have a biological filter as well.

Do you mean the sand filter?

Get rid of that fish. It will only cause problems to you Koi.