Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My flowerhorn has white spots on its head. How do I treat it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I have a flower horn fish 2 years old, very healthy until now. Decided to give him live fish, I believe this how he got ill. He does not have a hole yet, but he defently has the disease. Big white spot on his head and a small one on the side of his head. Pls tell, me what to do. Tel- 201-736-3049/ email- tgutie0556 gmail.com

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 12th, 2017

The addition of live prey may have introduced parasites into your aquarium. It is also possible it was pre existing and an unknown stressor may have triggered active infection.
Regardless, now you have to treat. Check water quality first. Poor water quality is a major cause of illness and it can also complicate any condition. Test a sample at home with a kit or submit a sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Ammonia and nitrites should be 0 ppm (parts per million). Nitrates should be 40 ppm or less but for HITH, try for 10ppm or less. Perform partial water changes using aged or conditioned water that is temperature and pH matched to prevent shock and further stress until water parameters are acceptable.
Metronidazole is the treatment of choice for HITH. It will kill Hexamita which is the parasite associated with HITH. You can purchase metronidazole for tanks online or in the aquarium section of most pet stores. Follow label directions carefully. Remove the charcoal from the filter during treatment. A broad spectrum antibiotic should also be used to prevent secondary infection. If you have other fish in the tank, monitor them for similar symptoms.
A proper diet is also critical. A vitamin and mineral deficiency may predispose a fish to this condition. Use a fortified pelleted diet. You can soak food in garlic juice (or GarlicGuard by SeaChem) to boost the immune system and stimulate the appetite.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button