African Cichlid Issues

[kj23502]

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Tank size: 125 gallons
pH: 8
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 15

tank temp: 79 F

Fish Symptoms- A few of my fish (victorian mbuna like p. nyererei & mbuna c. afra)have had the sunken belly look. I'm beginning to wonder if it's internal parasites/worms. One of fish has some white protruding from its anus. It's not poop, it's different than that. It's like a small blob just poking through. Hemmoroid or worms? This just started in the last couple days. I don't have anything else in the tank, so I'll treat w/whatever is needed. (ie. I don't have to worry about inverts or sensitive fish)

Volume and Frequency of water changes: every 2 weeks about 50 gallons

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: none, have two external canister filters

Tank inhabitants: mbuna pseudotropheus crabro 1 (bumble bee cichlid), mbuna cynotilapia afra 8, lake victorian pundamilia nyererei 5

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): moved my bumble bee in when we had a power outtage. Bee was in QT for over a month when I got it. Other fish were exibiting these symptoms before it was added.

Exposure to chemicals: none


Let me know if you need other info. The fish is only 1.5" long and I doubt I could get a picture that would show it as the anus stuff is about a quarter of the size of a pencil eraser.

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like internal parasites.
Signs of internal parasties are.
long stringy white poo, or clear mucas poo.
Being really thin or bloated.
Sunken in tummy.
Enlarged anus or red and inflamed anus.
Worms prutruding from the anus.
Sometimes bent spines.

In the white things hanging out of the anus is there any red bits in the blob.
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/add_...fm?pCatId=12794

 

[Loony Fish]

nitrates are a little high, you may want to try soaking there food in parasite medicaton...

 

[WILDER]

The nitrates are not high it when its above 50.

 

[kj23502]

In the white things hanging out of the anus is there any red bits in the blob.

No red bits. In fact it's like it went back up?? It's shorter now. Someone suggested it could be the oviposter of the fish protruding??

nitrates are a little high, you may want to try soaking there food in parasite medicaton...

Nitrates would be high if it were a saltwater tank and I had inverts. For freshwater, it's about the best it can be using tap water



I'll def treat w/bacterial meds

Thanks all

 

[Soaup]

How'd you make out KJ?

 

[WILDER]

If you suspect your fish have internal parasites you will need a worming med.
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/add_...fm?pCatId=12794

 

[kj23502]

Well, I found a fish on the bottom of the tank And then I took out another that was missing most of it's tail and was very thin. Could barely swim away from/fight the net.

All the others but 1 look alright. The crabro, king and ares all look fine. I'll treat the entire tank anyways.

 

[WILDER]

Yes I would treat the whole tank.
Parasites can cause bacterial infections on top.
Good luck.

 

[kj23502]

Thanks Wilder.