Injured Ram Cichlid

[Lil Tank]

I have a Bolivian Ram cichlid in my community tank. When I got home from work today I saw him swimming in the top back corner of the tank and barely moving. I took the top off the tank and put my finger in the water next to him. He normally will move away quickly but he didn't move at all. I nudged him to the front of the tank so I could get a picture and he offered no resistance at all.

I tried to get a pic of it but I couldn't get one that shows it well but it looks like his anus is torn open and there is something (not waste) hanging from it. The only thing I can think of is if he got attacked by my red claw crab but I don't know for sure.

Any ideas what to do about this?

 

[onidrase]

The crab attack is possible. Ram cichlids do have a tendency to hang close to the bottom of the aquarium. There are some medications you can use to help heal the wound.

 

[Lil Tank]

Well, whatever it was it is no longer a concern.... Just found the poor guy floating upside down at the top and not moving at all. None of the other Rams are showing any signs of illness or anything else that I can see so I think it's case-closed on this one....

 

[mark4785]

The crab attack is possible. Ram cichlids do have a tendency to hang close to the bottom of the aquarium. There are some medications you can use to help heal the wound.

I agree, especially Bolivian's. Aren't they supposed to be bottom-dwellers?

 

[Lil Tank]

The crab attack is possible. Ram cichlids do have a tendency to hang close to the bottom of the aquarium. There are some medications you can use to help heal the wound.

I agree, especially Bolivian's. Aren't they supposed to be bottom-dwellers?

I don't know what they are supposed to be but mine are all over the tank.