Need some help with a Salween Hillstream Loach

[gmccreedy]

Hello all. I am new to this forum and i am jumping right in!

I have a Salween Hillstream Loach (red tail) and he is usually a very active little guy. I would sy he is just under 3 inches, and have had him for about 4 months now.

I have a fully cycled 72 gallon bow front planted tank. Numerous community tank inhabitants, but none aggressive at all. I would dare to say that he is the most aggressive.

About a week ago I noticed a large red "disc" like (almost looked like a cut or laceration) on his nose. He seemed fine, so I just figured I would watch him and see if anything came of it.

Well... today its now white and he is not moving much at all. Just sitting on the bottom of the tank, laying under a cover of plants and it seems almost like he is panting (for the lack of a better word).

I attempted to "target feed" him and he didn't even budge to go after it...which is HIGHLY unlike him.

Can this be a fungus or parasite? Is it just a "battle wound"? Not sure what to do here...

Any suggestions? Thoughts?

Much appreciated in advance.

[shari2]

sounds like he injured himself stuffing his face into something and now it is becoming infected.

Could you post a pic?

[gmccreedy]

Thanks for the reply. I have been trying to get a good picture, but he has not been cooperative.

Let me see if I can get one today and I will post up.

Thanks!