Juan and Sylvia

I lost a female ram last Tuesday. The pair had started spawning but no success. Then one day she was dead and there was a small hole in her side. Now the ram has a red mark on. I do a 50% water change each week and ammonia is 0. Maybe the test strip isn't working but it says 0. I don't have test strips for the other water parameter. The other fish I have in there are 1 discus and 5 angels, 4 rainbows and 1 cardinal tetra. Also a buch of annoying snails. So what do you guys think is wrong with the ram.

Attached Images

sick ram small.jpg (232.3 KB, 33 views)

peacemaker92

Hi. So sorry for your loss.

Most of our members here recommend getting the API Master test kit, the liquid type, as test strips can sometimes be unreliable and may not give the exact results. I wished I knew what the problem is. I'm sure a member or more will come around to help you. Good luck!

aquarist48

Hello Juan and Sylvia. So sorry to hear your fish is ill. Great suggestion by PeaceMaker. Here are a couple of links (NOTE: GRAPHIC photos of fish disease included) that may be of some help to you. Check it out and keep us posted. Best of luck!
JBL - Online Hospital
Fish Skin Disorders
I'm sure you'll get some more responses as well.
Best wishes. I hope your fish is going to be alright.
Ken

Juan and Sylvia

Thanks. I checked out the website and that must be one of the most graphic fish disease I've seen. What a nightmare to have a fish look that pitiful. Well none of the pictures or symptoms match this. But I had a ram about 2 years ago that kind of had this symptom too and I believe he got it when he was competing with another male ram for the female. So the ram I have now just lost his female companion a week ago. Maybe my ram is having a heart break. Yesterday I did a 50% water change. Today I didn't get a chance to do a water change.

aquarist48

Good morning Juan and Sylvia. Anytime your fish don't seem up to par a water change is always good. I'm sorry the link wasn't of any help to you. Have you seen any aggression towards him from the Angels? Are any of the Angels spawning and maybe he got too close to the eggs? I wish I had an answer for you.
Sending you and your fish good wishes!
Ken