The Case of the Scuff-Scaled Showgirl

[Jeff Speck]

I have a kigoi that I would like to take to the show, but she's gotten herself scuffed up. Not sure how she did it, but the marks aren't going away. It's only the trailing edge of the scales on patches of her WIDER regions. The question is can I do anything about it? Can I clean her in any way? Obviously, causing further damage would be devastating. So what might work and what would be too risky? A citrus scrub? Swab with a VERY diluted dab of bleach and extra de-chlor in the tub? Anthing topical and safe?

[koifishgirl]

The only thing I would do is give her a salt bath and leave her alone. Let her heal and if she is ready for the show then take her. If not just take her next time.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by koifishgirl The only thing I would do is give her a salt bath and leave her alone. Let her heal and if she is ready for the show then take her. If not just take her next time.

Jeff,

This is good advise.

[Jeff Speck]

Sound advice, no doubt. The scuffs have been there for more than a month, so I don't even think a salt bath is necessary. I cannot tell if it's damage or dirt. Just thought perhaps someone would say, "Oh, I've seen that, no big deal, just dab it with this and she'll be good to go." And then I'd timidly consider it for a month and probably not do it. I understand that disturbing the slime coat is never recommended...

Thanks,
Jeff

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Speck Sound advice, no doubt. The scuffs have been there for more than a month, so I don't even think a salt bath is necessary. I cannot tell if it's damage or dirt. Just thought perhaps someone would say, "Oh, I've seen that, no big deal, just dab it with this and she'll be good to go." And then I'd timidly consider it for a month and probably not do it. I understand that disturbing the slime coat is never recommended... Thanks, Jeff

If it has been there for a month, then you are right, there is no need for a salt bath. The salt bath would have been a precaution if it were a new scrape.
The only way to tell if it is damage or dirt would be to take a look at it up close. If you can remove the Koi and put it to sleep you could safely get a good look at it. If there was dirt or debris lodged in the scale it would be beneficial to try to remove it.