Chipped scales

[YSL]

Dear Bros.

Need your advises.

I noticed that the 4-5 row of scales on both sides of my SR are chipped off. Top portion is fine...nice and rounded, but not the sides.
It is growing bigger and eat a lot.
Feeding with market prawns & meal worms.
In my view, it is very healthy but the sight of chipped scales send me wondering.....

My question is

Do they change scales? (Understand that scales will heal on their own but do they actually change scales.....like dogs....shed their fur once a while?)

Appreciate if any can advise
Thanks
Best regards

ps: I will be away for 2 days (Sat & Sun). Will log on on Monday.
Thanks

[Alvin Koh]

Hi YSL,

Arowanas do not change scales.

What you are experiencing sounds like scale rot whereby the edges of the scales look chipped. Observe and see if there are increased signs of "chipping" over the next few days.

Another thing which is quite unlikely is the fact that not all scales will grow the same way. Some scales tend to be wavvy at the edges. Just a precautionary check to perform.

Alvin.

[Aaron Kent]

Hi Alvin,

I need more information on Scale Rot as you've mentioned. Is this bacterial or chemical? I think my xback has the same problem. Would you believe it is contageous too. Please advise!

[Alvin Koh]

Hi Aaron,

I'm not sure of the exact causes, but I assume it's quite similiar to fin rot due to the fact that scale edges start to disintegrate. Perhaps some of the AroMedics may be able to provide an insight. :(

Alvin.

[kenneth]

Same thing happened to my aro, the edge of 1 scale started to rot. I quickly added salt , each day increase 0.1% until reached 0.4%. Added ketapang tea. Did not add medication. After 3 days, the condition stabilised and started to heal. Completely healed after 1 week.

[kentfon]

Originally posted by kenneth
Same thing happened to my aro, the edge of 1 scale started to rot. I quickly added salt , each day increase 0.1% until reached 0.4%. Added ketapang tea. Did not add medication. After 3 days, the condition stabilised and started to heal. Completely healed after 1 week.

That's the right thing to do!

Through my experience and my knowledge(don't know if it's true)
this scale rot symptom is mainly cause by water perimeters that is maybe water being too alkaline or high ph.With constant changing of water and the addition of salt in every water should prevent the above symptom from occurring.

Just my knowledge correct me if i'm wrong

Cheers!

[Isna]

hmm. scale rot aye?? another peculiar aro specific syndrome... it's not really recognised in other fishes.....

my guess, it's either
1) infectious......perhaps columnaris.these bacteria r commonly responsible for finrot in most fishes. u can get lesions ( WHITE/CLOUDY STREAKS) outlining the edges of a region of scales. the closest thing i can think of that resembles the descriptions.....salt at 0.3% may cure it in the initial stages.....Always check the water..or do a series of water changes, s a predisposing factor is invariably present, n often in the water....

2) nutritional.....a developmental/growth problem, similar to deformed nails in us....mild-moderate chronic vitamin/mineral deficiency.......So check your diet too.

[YSL]

Dear Bros,

thanks for all your comments.

Yup,it is due to the water condition.
I have put it into another tank, now it is swimming better.
Thank you, thank you.

Understand from friends that chipped scales will not grow back unless the entire scale is being remove.
But quite a lot (on both sides of the aro...at least got more than 15 scales).........very painful....

Anyone care to advise??

Cheers