Siamese Algae Eater (missing Scales)

[kamla]

Siamese Algae Eater (missing Scales)
I just bought 2 Siamese Algae Eaters, 3 days ago :dance
I noticed after I put the fish in my tank that one of them has some scales missing on the top of his/her head.
The fish have been doin fine.
Plus do I need special food for them.
Thanks

BTW they are great to watch, both of them swim together..
any insight will be helpfull

 

[kamla]

any one..

 

[Kissofthegorami]

It may have been attacked or gotten in a fight, mishandled, you don't know because you just got them. If a fish is missing scales, it is also an indicator that it has been rubbing itself against objects due to ich or other parasites.

 

[kamla]

oh no.. i think i could i have done that, when i was trying to net it.. to put it in the tank...

Plus any thought on what i should feed it..
Thax

 

[Swimfins]

If its ich you will know it by seeing salt grains on the face, gills and head mostly.

I think your sae was a victim of being mishandled, or cooped up with a bunch.


Leave him alone, but keep your eyes open. I'd suspect he was injured and will regrow the scales with good food and clean water.

Mine scower for algae mostly, but they will eat very small flake pieces that drift down.