What is the fish's protective layer when part of it's body is badly damaged?

Question

I noticed that when my Texas Cichlid fought with my Jack Dempsey, the JD was badly injured. A big part of it's right side was badly damaged with flesh being shown and dots of red in the area. After a few hours a protective layer was formed. That nearly looked like a bubble. I understand that this layer is made because of the surrounding water will not get to the wound. So it will ultimately heal quicker and properly. But what is this layer made of, if there is a name of it, i would love to hear that. Then I could research it myself.

Thank You

copperhead · Accepted Answer

You'll see a number of names, depending on the source.  Most aquarists call it a slime or mucous (or mucus) layer, although from a more "scientific" perspective it's a glyco-protein (called mucin since there are other types of glycoproteins) that's produced by the fish for a number of purposes (including wound protection, but it's also for swimming efficiency, protection against parasite attachment, and may be used in some species to secrete chemicals that at toxins or "communication" signals)

nosoop4u246 · Answer

It's called a slime coat.  It is a protective layer of mucous that is like the human skin.  It protects the fish from pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and debris) in the water and prevents them from getting into the fish.

Nosoop4u

Anonymous · Answer

It's a mucous layer, but I don't know the correct term for it!

excitement · Answer

im pretty sure its a mucus membrane

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What is the fish's protective layer when part of it's body is badly damaged?

4 Answers