Black Marks On Red Cap

[Benjamin]

Hi Folks,
I have some new Red Cap Oranda , nice fish with large Head Growth,
they are 5" / 6" in size all healthy , my question is they have some black
markings in the "Cap" and the odd black mark on the body , is this common.
Could it be permanant, just curious......Regards Ben.

[Ajno]

Is there a chance that these could be ammonia burns? If not, black is a very unstable color and very likely these fish will lose the black. Would you happen to have pictures?

[King_oF_Ranchu]

This might cause from sudden cold water feed. All you need to do is give warmer water and lot of light. The black mark will disappear shortly.

I have couple fish got those black mark cause from colder water change. They're ok, just need to adjust the higher temp and give sun/human made light.

[Benjamin]

This might cause from sudden cold water feed. All you need to do is give warmer water and lot of light. The black mark will disappear shortly.

I have couple fish got those black mark cause from colder water change. They're ok, just need to adjust the higher temp and give sun/human made light.

Think you may have the answer:) , They did arrive in very cold water, It
was 9 below in the UK last night, have added them to the Show Tank at
a higher Temp, and got to say they are looking better.....Thanks:)
Regards......Ben.

[King_oF_Ranchu]

When i said "it will disappear shortly" I mean in about 2-4 weeks.

[Benjamin]

Is there a chance that these could be ammonia burns? If not, black is a very unstable color and very likely these fish will lose the black. Would you happen to have pictures?

Hi Ajno,
Not ammonia burns, glad you think they will lose the Marks, sorry no pics
just arrived today. , Thanks for reply....Regards Ben.

[Benjamin]

Hi King of Ranchu......No problem understand:) ..Thanks.
Ben.

[suphi]

Interestingly, Ben, my large ranchu that arrived yesterday has some black marks on her wen also. I was told by Paul that this was from extreme cold exposure and will go away. The two small ones that came with her appear to be without any but I haven't really examined them.

Larger fish definitely don't do as well with shipping. My smaller guys are already swimming around almost actively, the larger fish (around 6 inches from head to edge of tail) remains sluggish.

I'll take some photos when I put them in my show tank so you can compare to yours.

[Benjamin]

Hi Suphi,
Thanks for reply, Yes Indeed I agree with you, the larger fish do seem to
take longer to settle, i have experienced this with some of the "Jumbo"
Discus i have got shipped , these guys are usually around 20 / 22 cm.
And they also take somtimes weeks to start feeding. These were my first
large Orandas Size 6 ins , noticed the Black Marks on the Wen , but could not
work it out, now i know, and it was real cold here in the UK:coffee::).And
just like your smaller guys, i also got a couple of Black Ranchu(3 ins) no
problems......Look forward to seeing those Pics ,Good luck with the new stock......Regards Ben.

[Benjamin]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies, Fish are looking a lot better , and the black marks
are starting to fade, also noticed that the "Dorsal Fin" on the red caps
was split/torn , would i be correct in saying this will heal , these fish had
a bad time being shipped , seemed to cause a few problems., thanks if
you can advise........Ben.

[suphi]

Unfortunately, my large fish didn't make it so I won't have any picture to show you. The shipment appeared to be too stressful. The smaller ones are behaving and eating normally, though.

[Benjamin]

Hi Suphi,
Sorry to hear of the loss, I also lost one of my large Red Caps, again as you
say the shipment must have been too stressful, the smaller ones had no
problems......Ben.

[Ed @ Goldfish Utopia]

My last shipment from Thailand had quite a few fish with the black spots after arrival. It was definately from ammonia burn. Slow healers, but perfectly fine.

[Benjamin]

Hi Ed,
Just had to comment on your web site, very enjoyable and loads of
information, and real nice quality stock you have there......Regards Ben.

[johnatoranchu]

Sorry to hear of the problems with the large Ranchu and Orandas. Must ask the question though - don't you think it's the wrong time of the year to buy large imported fish, many/most of which will never have experienced cold water before? Shock of cold water can kill, damage swim bladder (particularly on Orandas) and the stress suffered alone lowers their immunity from all the nasties that can't wait to prey on them. Don't take the split finnage too lightly Ben. If they're not already warm, then I recommend increasing their water temperature to 72/75F as soon as possible (+2F daily until they reach appropriate temperature). Split finnage on stressed fish can easily result in fin rot. Suggest you consider treating with Melafix and Pimafix together, both are readily available in UK or use whatever products have proven successful with your discus.
John

[Benjamin]

Hello John,
Thankyou for that very good advice, yes would agree with you its not
the best time , for shipping. These fish were from a uk supplier , imported
from China, and i did question why they were sent in the very cold water.
My thoughts were they had been kept at a higher temp 72/75 at the vendors, as it turned out the fish arrived in a very stressed condition . They
replied it was because they also supply whole /sale , and most shops do not
heat the tanks , for cold water fish. ......Anyway remaining fish have come through the worst , and looking better.....Have learned much since joining
this forum.....Regards Ben.