General Care Discussion :: Spots on shell

[atomicunicorn]

I know you guys probably get a lot of these threads asking about white spots and whatnot, but I didn't find reliable answers from searching through older posts.

I've noticed when I take my RES out of his tank and let him dry off completely I see this white spot. I'm afraid to scratch it or anything, so I'm not sure what it is. I know I have hard water, but I use a water conditioner, does that take out the hardness?


I also see this hole looking spot in his shell also. I don't want to poke around at it, but it just looks like a little hole, or maybe a scratch or something. He needs a shed, so maybe it's just on the older scute.


Also, the very edges of his shell (the yellowish tips) are very translucent, is that normal?

[steve]

The main thing I notice is retained scutes. The jagged marginals is a clear example of it. When shedding occurs irregularly, they might break apart instead of shedding a smooth, complete piece. That might explain the pit you see, I can't be certain because of the image clarity.

[atomicunicorn]

So the white spot isnt fungus or anything?

I've tried feeding him blueberries but he won't eat very much of it, and I got some koi pellets but they're tiny and I'm not sure if I'm giving him enough to make any difference. Do you have any advice to get him to shed?

[steve]

I don't see any fungus, it might just be irregular shedding at this point. Bacteria has a habit of breaching the shell, so I wouldn't rule that out either.