Poorly Clown Loach

[aaronc]

Hi All

I added 4 clown loach to my tank on thursday and since then one of them hasnt eaten. The other 3 have been eating fine but this poor little guy hasnt eated at all. To be fair he was pretty skinny when I got him so it would appear that he may not have eaten for much longer.

He is very thin now and barely moves, even if I gently nudge him with the net

I have seperated him and put a few bloodworm in with him but he isn't interested.

Is there anything I can do for this guy or is it looking like he is beyond help?

All the water stats are fine, and the other fish are thriving

Thanks Guys

Aaron

 

[aaronc]

Sadly it seems there wasn't anything I could do, the little guy has just died.

 

[WILDER]

Clown loaches wasting away desease, internal parasites.
Sorry R.I.P.
You will have to get an internal parasite med.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=142441
http/www.bollmoraakvarieklubb.org/artikl...own%20loach.htm

Taken from the clown loach link.



Loss of weight or "skinny disease" is also quite common in Clown loaches. Typical symptoms are loss of weight and behaviour known as "knifeback" even though the fish is acting and eating normally. This sickness is more difficult to treat, it comes from a parasite organism (spironucleus) in the intestines of the same type that is thought to cause the so called "discus disease". I have successfully removed this disease from newly imported fish by using Spirohexol from JBL in the form of tablets. I have taken one tablet and crushed it and dissolve it in as little water as possible. I have then used discus granules which have been soaked in the solution. It becomes like a thick porridge after a short time when the food has drawn in the liquid. I then feed this to the sick fishes, after a week it looks like the sickness is gone. For the best possible effect do not feed with any other food. Flagyl (Metronidazole) also helps fight against this sickness but at least here in Sweden it is on prescription and can be a little difficult to come by.

Apart from this Clown loaches are not more susceptible than other fish, the above sickness usually occurs in fish that have been stressed during transport or subjected to other stress factors like cold water or poor aquarium hygiene. Do not buy fish that look emaciated! Well looked after fish are seldom sick. To quote my friend Elisabeth Hallberg; "the best way to avoid sickness is to keep the fish healthy".