Skinny Malawi?

[RedeyesUK]

Hi all,

I bought a few malawi cichlids a few months ago, one of which was pretty tiny - definately the runt of the litter! I assumed he'd grow a little after a while (the rest of them are), but this one is still as small as when I got him. In fact, he's now looking diseased!
Apart from his size, he seems to be getting skinnier than ever, and looking pretty emaciated. The stomach is going concave.

Pics here (sorry about the quality, best I could do!):

My best guess is either parasites or some sort of internal bacteria, but not sure which. Tank stats are fine (0/0/20), all the other fish in the tank are in perfect health. He eats well, and is quite active - in fact, behaviourwise, he has no problems at all. I'm just worried because he's looking so skinny!

I'm moving him to a hospy tank tonight and will go and get some meds tomorrow (unless anyone can advise otherwise).

TIA,

Garry

 

[MT2009]

Sometimes poor quality fish end up like this but internal parasites can cause it as well.

 

[WILDER]

he could have internal parasites.
Signs are.
long stringy white poo, or clear mucas poo.
Worms prutruding from the anus.
Sunken in belly.
Being skinny or bloated.
Enlarged anus to red inflamed anus.
Swimming on there sides sometimes.
Bent spine some times.

Sunken in bellys can also be bacterial but if he's really thin it might be internal parasites.

 

[RedeyesUK]

OK, I'm still not really any the wiser as to if it's parasites or bacteria (or indeed, just a poor quality fish), so I've bought some anti parasite stuff to start. I'll dose this and see how it goes, if that doesn't work I'll give him a rest and then try with some antibac.

I just hope he doesn't fall properly ill, he's one of my favourites - I always was one for the underdog! Plus, he's one of my most interactive fish, he quite happily sits in the palm of my hand when I put it in the tank. Makes it easy to get him out of the tank!

 

[WILDER]

What's the name of the parasite med.

 

[RedeyesUK]

It's aquarium Doctor APC, made by TAP. Looking at it, that may not be the right stuff, that seems more for external parasites. It was the only sort of anti parasite med I could find in the shop. They had that range, plus the interpet range, nothing of which seemed suitable?

I haven't started doing yet though, so I can take it back and swap it if necessary.

 

[WILDER]

Depends which parasite it it.
There a med called wormer plus.
http/www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail62_45492.php

 

[RedeyesUK]

OK, thanks. I've been to all four of my local shops and none of them stock this. I don't think this is massively urgent just yet, so it can wait a couple of days until I can get some delivered.
I'd rather wait for the decent stuff than go mucking around with meds that aren't going to do anything!

 

[WILDER]

The fish that really skinny might not make it as they do alot of damage to the internal organs. Once there really skinny the damage has been done.
The tanks still wants medicating to save the rest.