[SidneyFish]

My cichlid "Sid" has been healthy for the 12 years I've had him, but has recently developed black mildewy looking patches on his lower belly, on the mouth and below it.

50 gal tank alone with gravel and a broken clay pot "cave" that I have since removed.
Weekly 25 % water changes with de-chlorinator.

Last week I did a 50 % change and added 1 tb aquarium salt per 5 gal. The black patches almost cleared for a few days but returned.
These photo's taken are today before water change.

I am improving his diet from Tetra Carnivore Cichlid to Hikari Gold Floaters.

Sid is eating well and active.

Could you also please identify the type of cichlid Sid might be. He doesn't look like a Blood Parrot. Thank you. Trish

 

[Old Newbie]

Looks like a Blood Parrot to me, but I am not an ichthyologist by any stretch of the imagination. Never seen black markings like that, maybe just old age.

 

[SidneyFish]

I think you are right Old Newbie....http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/ha ... ots_4.html
Sad to think he is getting older, perhaps the immune declines. Thank you for your post.

 

[SidneyFish]

UPDATE: Sid is improving with the use of Prime water treater by Seachem and water changes. It appears the Nutrafin Aqua Plus de-chlorinator does not remove ammonia from the Chloramines that are bound to them in municipal water. Up until now our water wasn't treated. I've also ordered some better quality food, Hikari and some dried Krill.