Is my albino bristlenose catfish ill?

[PaulHR]

Hello community, apologies for making my first post a request for help. I'm very new to keeping fish and my catfish has what looks like a bent spine, is this normal? I've also noticed today he has a mark on his back so I'm wondering if either the bent spine or this mark are things to worry about?

A picture speaks a thousand words so please see attached photo.

Is he ill and if yes what do I need to do? Is it worth quaurantining him?

Thank you

 

[Candiceg]

Was it normal when you got the fish?

 

[PaulHR]

Yes, I noticed very early on that the spine was bent, I've had this fish about 4 months. When he moves around the bend seems to straighten out but usually looks bent when he's still, usually when the aquarium lights are on and he's sucking up against the glass.

I've tried to have a look around the net for more information but can't find anything concrete why his spine is like this. I did find a very small paragraph somewhere which said the spine can bend and is some form of defence mechanism to stop other fish from eating them but would love to get that clarified.