Daft Noob Fish Question

[GeorginaA]

Okay. I have a fish tank (it was ds1's idea... honest guv), I have a newly acquired fish - a black moor called Bob (again, ds1's idea, honest guv), purchased from a suitably good and reputable pet fish shop.

Anyway, I've got him home and noticed that he seems to have a scale missing. Not oozing or anything just a little hole where a scale should be on one side. Feel really bad as the ride home was a little bumpy in places, and hoping it didn't happen in transit Is a missing scale a problem, or is it something that just heals by itself?

I did an internet search but only seemed to find loads of sites about how one fish attacked another and ate half its tail, which wasn't too helpful... Thought there's bound to be a few goldfish experts on here!

Me, ds1 and Bob are eternally grateful for your time and patience, thank you...

[GeorginaA]

shameless bump

[Aero]

Sorry Georgina - no idea at all, but happy to bump for you.

pmls at 'daft noob'!

[hercules]

we have fish and from what i've read such injuries are fairly common.

[Radley]

As long as the fish is quite active and there are no white spots covering its underside, I wouldn't worry too much about a missing scale, also, I doubt very much that the journey home did it, it was most likely from another fish in the shop, or even when the seller was taking him from the tank.

[GeorginaA]

Brill thank you He does look quite perky and inquisitive ... well, for a fish anyway! Will keep an eye open for any spots or signs of infection...

Gawd, I really don't feel cut out for the responsibility of pet keeping - children are bad enough!!

[GeorginaA]

(just worked out what you mean Aero... I meant noob fish owner... not a noob at mumsnet... obviously )

[Aero]

lol - never heard 'noob' before, but it'll be in my vocabulary from this day!

[GeorginaA]