Syno Shedding Skin?

[DeLBoD]

Does Synodontis eupterus shed its skin?
I ask because this morning I noticed one of my older Synoâ??s had a head covered in what appeared to be fungus, but by this afternoon it has almost gone just literally falling off.
There was no sign of it yesterday.

Thanks.

[Silurus]

Might have just been excessive mucus. Synos don't have a heavily keratinized skin, so I don't think there is a need to shed their skin.

[DeLBoD]

Thanks HH.
I did have a Nitrate spike about a week ago, possibly this could have caused this.
Do you think I should medicate with Bacteria Control/Anti fungus to be on the safe side?

[Silurus]

If the fish appears healthy, I'd say there's no real need. The mucus is sort of protective (has some antibacterial properties) anyway.

[DeLBoD]

Ok. Thanks again.

[StevenW]

I've had the same problem, i introduced some new fish to my tank and noticed a spike in nitrite, next thing there seemed to be an ich outbreak and my 3 y/o eupterus' skin started peeling off, i put him in an hospital tank and medicated with a malachite green and formalin mix (at low concentration as instructed for catfish/loaches), but within about 12 hours nearly all of his skin was gone and his fins were badly deteriorated, his eyes completely clouded over. He still flaps about, but is in bad shape floating upsidedown most of the time. I thought i saw some recovery so didn't put him out of his misery, and he has survived 4 days (but no real improvement). I've been testing the water and all of the levels are well within what they should be.

Should i put him out of his misery or can he recover, and is the clove oil/vodka method humane, as i've never had to put a fish down?

Its quite sad as he has so much personality!