Is It Normal for Dragon Fish to Lose Scales?

Understanding the Causes of Scale Loss in Dragonfish

1. Instrumental Injuries

Whether it's during a tank change or for any other reason that requires removing the dragonfish from its habitat, improper use of tools or clumsy handling can lead to scratches on the fish's body. Such mishaps can easily result in scale loss for the dragonfish.

2. Collision with the Tank

There are several reasons why dragonfish might collide with the tank, including:

Intense feeding behavior, where the dragonfish may rush to eat too eagerly.

Changes in the environment inside or outside the tank that startle the fish.

Conflicts with other fish in a mixed tank, which can lead to fighting and subsequent scale loss.

3. Illness in Dragonfish

While scale loss isn't a disease itself, it can be a symptom of common ailments such as ichthyophthirius (ich) or external parasite infections.

4. Poor Water Quality

Too frequent water changes or old water in the tank can also cause scale loss. It's crucial for keepers to maintain a balanced water change schedule to prevent this issue.

II. Preventing Scale Loss in Dragonfish

Preventive measures should be taken based on the identified causes:

1. Reducing Collision Frequency

Feeding appropriately: Provide food at the right times and in the right amounts, avoiding the need for the dragonfish to compete for food.

Stabilizing the environment: Keep the surroundings of the tank calm to prevent startling the fish. Avoid disturbances like children or pets near the tank, and maintain consistency in the tank's decor to reduce stress.

Separating aggressive fish: If there are signs of aggression among the dragonfish, consider separating them to prevent fights.

Protecting the tank: Wrap the rigid parts of the tank, like the water intake, with soft tubes to reduce the likelihood of collisions and scale loss.

2. Maintaining Good Water Quality

Regular and balanced water changes are essential. Avoid both too frequent and too infrequent changes, as both can lead to water quality issues. Keeping the water fresh and healthy is key to preventing diseases and scale loss.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: While scale loss may not seem severe, if left unchecked, frequent shedding can lead to infections. Treating these infections can be challenging, so it's important to address scale loss promptly.