Does my new Oscar have internal parasites??

[raynist]

Only had the guy for 3 days, noticed a long (half body length), pale but not clear poop hanging from him at 9am this morning. It is still there now, maybe a little longer than it was this morning. He really hasn't eaten much since I got him, maybe a flake or two. He is about 3 inches long.

Thanks for your help

--Ray

 

[mwm]

Its possible it could be an internal parasite. Usually they are long white poops but he could also just be dropping something bad he had in him. You said he hasnt eating lately? Thats a sign of a parasite to

 

[raynist]

Actually just saw him eat. He is very timid and does not come out when the light is on. I turned the light off and fed them and he came right up to eat.

--Ray

 

[raynist]

But he still has this poop hanging off of him 9 hours later....

 

[mwm]

This doesnt sound to good but just wait for someone who knows what they are talkin about to reply it might be nothing serious.

 

[swampcat]

My fish had same symptoms. Book I have suggests its internal parasites. I treated with parasite rid by Jungle Inc. Everybodys fine now. Treated @ 3 months ago. Just follow instructions of what ever meds you use. I really think most are the same. ingredients are the same from one co. to another.

 

[raynist]

Well I treated him and he died anyways......

Picked up another one this morning, hopefully he fares better.

Are internal parasites contaigious?

--Ray

 

[sylvia]

If the other fish get to the poop and eat it they can get the parasite too. If you see any signs of stringy poop or unusual behaviour start treatment again immediately. I also would encourage you make sure your water parameters are perfect and make sure you have a large enough tank for an oscar and whatever other fish to minnimize stress.

 

[raynist]

Thanks, I will keep an eye on the other fish.

So far all of my water testing has come back fine.

I have a 75 gallon tanks with 1 pleco, 1 oscar and 1 Blue Jack and 1 Dojo Loach.

---Ray

 

[Colin_BC]

This is where a small hospital/quarantine tank comes in very handy. If you get a new fish, toss it in the Q-tank for the first couple weeks to ensure that if it is sick, it doesn't pass the illness on to other fish. One unhealthy fish in a community can sometimes lead to the unfoprtunate demise of an entire tank of fish... I have a 10G bare-bottom I use for quarantine.

Colin