AboutRon Coleman Expertise I am an expert on cichlid fishes, particularly New World cichlids. My broader expertise includes the behavior, ecology and reproduction of fishes in general. (I am NOT an expert on Goldfish. Please do not ask me questions about why your goldfish are sick -- they are almost always sick due to the way that they are sold). Also, please do not use abbreviations, such as "my GT has a swollen
eye" because I don't know what a "GT" is. The more clearly you can explain your question, the better chance I have of understanding what it is that you seek. Thanks.
Experience I teach at the California State University, Sacramento in the Department of Biological Sciences, and I run a website, called the Cichlid Research Home Page . I also write for many popular aquarist magazines, and I am editor of Cichlid News magazine. I am a scientist and I spend my time teaching fish biology, ecology, behavior and evolution and doing research on the reproductive biology of fishes, particularly cichlids. I do research in the laboratory and in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico. My main interest is understanding the evolution of parental care in fishes. I am interested in encouraging greater public awareness, understanding and participation in science.
Organizations belong to American Cichlid Association, Pacific Coast Cichlid Association, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, etc
Publications Cichlid News, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium, Science, Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology, Copeia, Canadian Journal of Zoology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, AUK, Environmental Biology of Fishes
Expert: Ron Coleman Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Cyclid Treatment
Question Dear Ron,
Thank you for offering your expertise. I acquired an injured cyclid about four days ago. His fins were torn and his lower lip was white with a little skin peeling off. I quickly set up a new tank (has no other choice) and have been treating him with melafix for three days now. While he has eaten a few pellets the last two days, his lower lip appears more damaged (now showing pink and more skin peeling). Could this be a sign of improvement or is there a better possible treatment? Any other input is much appreciated.
Answer Hi Wendy,
Often when a cichlid gets in a fight (as this fish has), it takes a few days for the full extent of the damage to show itself. The good news is that most cichlids are pretty tough and can heal some really remarkable wounds. Give him time and clean water and that will give him the best odds for a full recovery.
-- Ron
rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>
