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Why does my aquarium fish have a hole in his head2007-11-24 23:43:55

I have an african cichilid. He literally has a hole in his head right inbetween his eyes and he won't eat anything. The hole showed up yesterday and it was pretty big. Today it seems to be closing up but now there are about 3 or 4 small pinholes in that same area. What's the deal? Why does my fish have a hole in his head, literally?

Answers:

Hole in the Head is the result of poor water quality over a long period of time. It starts off as a small "pimple" on the head erupts and grow into a deep crater that may affect the skull/head. Worst scenario is fatality and in lucky circumstances, it may just remain as scars on the face. Unfortunately, the disease is difficult to cure as it rarely responds to any medication. There are some water proof cream with antibiotic functions that can be applied to the injury areas but there's no real guarantee it will work.

There is one option. The combination of Flagyl (metronidazoel) and Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) usually does work to cure Hole in the Head. But these are both pharmaceutical drugs that require a prescription to obtain in many countries.

You can help to improve the rate of survival by keeping the tank water clean with regular fresh water changes or using biological filters. Salt for freshwater aquariums is also a good idea.

A

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assuming he wasn't attacked by another fish in the tank, I would guess some type of parasite or worm.

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I found that it is caused by parasites. I read an article that says you need the medicine called "metronidazole".

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Treat him with antibiotic and an anti parasitic. My suggestions are tetracycline and any anti fungal that is carried in the same store. Follow the manfacturer's directions for the proper use of the medications. That should solve your problem. Good Luck. Oh and brace yourself fish meds are not cheap. At least not the reputable ones.

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Poor water quality is usually the reason for HITH (a.k.a. Hole In The Head disease). I am going to guess that you have been feeding them live feeders only. If that is the case I would recommend mixing up their diet (use very small cubes of Beef heart and Beef liver soaked in Garlic Extract as well as some kind of pellet food that you can get them to take/eat by soaking it in Garlic Extract).