Otocinclus: Bloodline On Belly & Swollen Vent

[BBrain]

Luckily it's been awhile since I've had to post here. Now I have an oto that's looking unwell.
I bought it and one other 2 1/2 weeks ago, and they've been fine, although only active at night.

Over the last couple of days, this one has developed the following symptoms: long, stringy, clearish poop, swollen vent, red lines on belly. Here are photos (the dark oval area is just his belly pushed against the glass):

Tank size: 27 U.S. gallons
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 10 ppm
kH: 4.2 dH
gH: 4.2 dH
tank temp: 24 C
Volume and Frequency of water changes: 10 - 25% weekly
Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: liquid Flourish every 2 days and Leaf Zone once a week
Tank inhabitants: 3 Peppered Cories, 9 Glowlights, 2 Otos, 1 small Siamese Algae Eater
Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): the SAE, 10 days ago
Exposure to chemicals: none

What do you think this otocinclus has?
Thanks a lot!

 

[WILDER]

I would get the fish out of the tank, it has internal parasites, and once they are infested with them they cause alot of damage to the inside of the fish, sounds like the fish has septicemia on top now with the red lines on the belly.
To be honest it dosn't look good.

http/www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/nematodes.shtml

 

[BBrain]

Thanks very much, Wilder. That's what I suspected, but I wanted a more experienced person to confirm.

I had to euthanize the poor little guy, because I have no hospital tank, and more red lines had grown just in the past hour, so I'm sure he was not cureable anyway. He was hard to put to sleep, since these guys can survive for a long time without air or water. The usual 2 Alka-Seltzers in a small tub didn't work, and he still was moving a bit after 2 more, so I finished with ice water.

I also just vacuumed the tank bottom, in hopes of getting any parasites out. Actually, I think I'll do a very big water change now, pulling from the bottom.

Thanks for your help, Wilder. I hope the rest of my fishes don't get this.

 

[WILDER]

Bless him, you did the right thing he came down with septicemia on top, internal parasites are nasty and do a lot of damage. R.I.P.
There is a pig worming med called levimsole but you do need a certain ph.
Will get you more info.
Cold water with ice cubes that seems to be quickest away of putting a fish down.


http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=142441