What is this black spot on L144's fin

kianna

kianna

Keep on swimming
Sep 15, 2008
163
0
16
Lakewood, WA
I bought 2 L144's from pinkertd back in September- (just love these guys). I noticed about 3-4 weeks ago that one has this black spot on its fin. It seems to be growing slowing. All fins look perfect other than just that black spot. They eat well and no other symptoms of disease or illness with this guy or his tankmates. It looks like it started in the middle and is moving toward the edge. It like a discoloration...no thinning or holes.

Anyone know what it could be? I've never seen this before!



IMG_3423.jpg



IMG_3438.jpg




The tank they are in is a 20 long w/AC 110 filter-Weekly 50% wc
Stocking is 2x L144, 1 male GBR, 1 Brigg
Ammonia=0
Nitrite=0
Nitrate=5
Temp=78-79
Ph=7.6
 
Hi Kianna! They're getting big! Is the spot really black or dark brown. And look as closely as you can to try to determine if it's pigment. It is possible to get an L144 with a dark pigmented spot on it, it's quite rare but has been seen in the hobby. And I have a female that didn't show her small brown spot on her side until she had grown a bit. Now that she's over a year old, it's actually faded away so much it's hard to pick her out from the others. I've only seen it passed on to one fry, a short fin that I sold to one of the members out in California. While I have never seen a photo of one anywhere else or heard from anyone else that has one, there is reference to this out on the net somewhere. It goes back to the breeding of the original L144 male to a brown female years ago as part of the breeding program to set the L144 genes. If the pigment can appear on part of the body, I suppose that would include on a fin too. I'd keep an eye on it for any changes. Other than that, I can't imagine what it would be. If I can find the reference about the rare occurrence of the dark pigmented spot, I'll post it for you.
 
Oh thanks Debbi! Thats probably what it is. It looks black to me but I guess it could be dark brown. Its hard to tell. He/she doesn't hold still long enough let alone fan out the fin to get a really good look.I know the spot wasn't there when I got them from you and it could have started out real small and grew as they and their fins did. I was worried it was some sort of parasite/protozoan but couldn't find anything matching up when I researched so I've just been watching it for the last month. I never thought of pigmentation since it wasn't there when I got them. The article and pic was was helpful. The spot on the one in the pic looks very much like the spot on mine. I'll continue to watch it but at least I have a better idea of what it is.
 
I have one that has a large black spot just like that, but on its back fin. I kept it because it was different.
 
Update

Just an update on the black/brown spot: He developed another on his nose. Its just what Debbie said....and I think it makes him unique!

Anyway heres a couple of pic of the 2-L144's I purchased from Debbie I think in September 2009. Looks like both are males.


Pleco100 (1).jpg

Heres the other one...

Pleco100.jpg


Pleco100 (7).jpg



Now I just wish I had a female...


Pleco100 (10).jpg

Pleco100 (1).jpg Pleco100.jpg Pleco100 (7).jpg Pleco100 (10).jpg
 
Love that pic of that handsome, but lonely guy - all by himself in his little house, just wishing for a lovely lady at his side. :)
 
Hopefully it's natural process where colors are developed as fish matures but google Melanoma. Hope it's not Melanoma.

btw, lovely fish!
 
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