Rope Fish Queries

[misterroper]

Hi,
I am new to AC (20 minutes to be exact) but have enjoyed reading the site for some time.

I have a very sweet rope fish (mr roper), we have only had him about a month. He seems to be very active and socializes well with his tank-mates. A few days ago we noticed he has this bulge about 2/3s the way down his body. It resembles what a snake looks like after it eats a mouse, but it is only on one side. Any idea what has caused this or if there is anything to be concerned with?

Thanks in advance,

Michelle

[Virtuoso2K12]

First of all Welcome to AC !!! :) Someone here should help you, feel right at home.

[tanker]

Rope fish are like snakes and can eat small fishes. Count your fishes, you are probably missing one.

[beblondie]

What do you use as your substrate?

[misterroper]

No, all are accounted for. Our smallest fish are clown loaches. But, thanks for trying.

[misterroper]

Relatively fine gravel. If he swallowed this will it pass?

[saram521]

I agree that one of your fish may have been eaten. Even when ropefish are young and smaller, they can fit some decent-sized fish into their mouths. After fish eat quite a bit of food, their bellies become distended temporarily, so that may be what you're seeing. It could also be dropsy, which could be caused by less than pristine water quality. Can you take a pic so we can better see what this lump looks like?

[red_wall]

Ever see that video of an anaconda eating a hippo? Well, it's not that drastic, but fish do strange things that you would never think possible. Just to be sure, check your fish to make extra double triple quadruple sure.

There are many things that a lump can signify.
A tumor
Dropsy... although I dont know how dropsy would effect the physical appearance of a snake-like fish... hmmmm, it could possibly be that but I would think that dropsy would effect the WHOLE body of the fish, not just one spot
Could have swallowed gravel
Could have swallowed just about anything

If you have pictures it would help us greatly
And has Ropey been acting funny in any way (just laying at the bottom of the tank, or even staying at the top, less activity, more activity) just about anything different in its behavior is relevant.

[misterroper]

How do I post a picture? I dont know the URL for the picture.

[misterroper]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/C:\Users\Yellowhead Motel\Pictures\Nikon Transfer\DSC_0095.JPG

[misterroper]

The fish is still very active with no different behavior. I would send a pic but i dont know how to do it.

[jm1212]

he couldve gotten the better portion of a sinking meal meant for the loaches

[misterroper]

He has been acting absolutely normal, which makes me think I should not worry too much yet. I can't figure out how to post a photo, when I try it wants a url address. I am new to this whole blog, posting thing so bear with me.

Thanks

[beblondie]

What are you feeding?keep an eye on it to see if it moves down the body-Anne

[Veloth]

I believe you go to advanced then scroll down to manage attachments, use that to up load pics from your computer.

[beblondie]

click post reply button then scroll down to second box (manage attachment click on browse to locate pic on your pc then click the pic the box should say open the rest is self explanitory -Anne

[bigwave]

click "quick reply" then choose "Go Advanced" button, then click the paperclip icon. That should let you upload from your home computer.

By the way, how's the fish doing?