Looks like a fungus

[yarra2]

My large female red Firemouth has developed what looks to be a fungus of some sort. I had temporarily moved the pair into another tank yesterday and she was okay then (or I couldn't see any signs of a problem). Here are some photos that I took within the last 15 minutes. I don't like the looks of it - but I guess it could be stress related....

[joz]

Looks like fungus,but check your water parameters incase,ph??
Could be something excessively out?

[yarra2]

Joz, thanks for the quick response. Ph is at 6.6 and GH hardness at 9d - also did a quick strip test which indicates everything else in the correct ranges. Will do a proper full test tomorrow.
Yesterday I stripped out the breeding tank completely, including removing the fry to a grow-out tank, and cleaned EVERYTHING! But I could only keep about 25% of the original water. Since then I've added bio-booster etc as I knew it was going to be a little risky - but the other pair of pinks and the male red all seem fine. The male has been a bit over-attentive (think he's ready to go again!) and that probably isn't helping her peace of mind....:)))))
I'll give it to the morning, but if it is a fungus what's basic treatment to begin with do you reckon?
Thanks again,
Mike

[yarra2]

Gave the tank a dose of Pimafix (God that stuff smells!) and the fungus or whatever it was seems to have gone. Will see how it goes over the next few days.

[joz]

Good news then.
Sorry I was hoping to get back to you sooner with a reply.
But I thought if water conditions are all good, it may in your situation be caused by mild beating the fish may have copped by its partner.
A few little nicks cuts and abbrassions are prone to infection occassionally.

[yarra2]

Think you may have hit the nail on the head - the `fungus' has disappeared but a couple of fins are a bit raggy. They are both in full breeding colour and he's constantly nudging her but she doesn't seem too interested at the moment. I've increased the temp a little and put in a dose of BlackWater Developer (an aphrodisiac) so will see what happens. Their fry in the nursery tank are thriving. Thanks again.... Mike