Unusual Problem Common Pleco

[jimfish]

I have a pleco about 10" long which has stopped eating and pooping. Upon examination I have found a hard white object partially protruding from his anus. It appears to be triangular in shape and is not passing. He is in distress and has not eaten in 2 weeks. He is currently laying on his side and breathing heavily. Do I try to extract the object or let nature take its course?

His tank mates (2 tiger oscars) are fine and have been leaving him alone. All tank parameters are good. The three have cohabited since December in a 125 gal tank.

[GEV83]

If nature is taking its course then I would of imagined the object would have passed already. Any pictures so we could better assist you with your current situation??? I would caution if you try removing the object since it may tear his anal opening.

[SubRosa]

If it's in that much distress I'd say better out than in. You can easily immobilize a Pleco of that size by grabbing him from the top and slipping your thumb under one pectoral spine and a finger (I use my middle or ring finger depending on the size of the fish) under the other. By applying SLIGHT pressure upwards on both spines the fish will freeze. It's kind of like a full nelson hold or maybe more accurately a double chicken wing. That leaves the other hand to extract the object It's a neat trick I was shown by an old timer after he watched me trying to pry a pleco out of a net about 25 yrs ago. I'll never net a Pleco over 4" again.

[pinkertd]

:iagree:better out than in and he needs help. Is it possible he swallowed a piece of gravel or something from the substrate?

[GEV83]

Prob cant eat cuz he is all backed up now that I think bout it. Removal in that case is the best course as stated by Subrosa. Should of known that.

[Reframer]

Can knock him out with some clove oi, just don't use to much, then use a tweezer and lubrication if needed to get it out.

[GEV83]

I agree with reframer would of never thought bout clove oil.

[SubRosa]

With most fish I would agree with clove oil but like I said Plecos can be immobilized by holding them correctly. Anesthesia is not something to be undertaken lightly.

[Bubbles2112]

I Agree. Clove oil may be very toxic to this pleco especially now. Do without it and good luck.

[chefjamesscott]

see if you can use a nail clipper to chip the object in ? smaller

[jimfish]

I tried to get a clear picture but it is difficult. I hope someone can verify what I suspect since fish anatomy is not my specialty.109550

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[GEV83]

Maybe its just me but I seen nothing wrong with your pleco's anal opening. I could be wrong though

[SubRosa]

It looks like the fishes rectum is prolapsed. Definitely not a good sign.

[jimfish]

Any ideas on what actions I can take?

[SubRosa]

I've never successfully treated a prolapse. I don't have any advice to offer other than euthanising the animal. Sorry.

[GEV83]

What is prolapse???? Never even heard that word before so u could imagine I have no idea what it is or involves.

[snoopy65]

Basically a very bad case of fish hemoroids. Some fish it fixes itself, and some it does not. Maybe epsom salt will help if it caused by constipation.

[GEV83]

Hemoroids on fish??? Holy cow I would of never known that. Learn something new every day.

[SubRosa]

Hemorrhoids is a bit of an understatement. A prolapse is when the intestine itself comes out the anus. A hemorrhoid is an abnormal growth that protrudes. Epsom salts will help if it's constipation.

[snoopy65]

I said basically. If it is from disease, I don't think anything can be done. Let's hope it is constipation.

[GEV83]

Oh ok well this is interesting hmmm besides constipation what causes that to happen???

[kelly82]

can i just add, my common also looks like this underneath, he poops out of it, i thought it was normal but am now unsure. mine has no issues, poops and eats perfectly fine. is it possible its just a genetic thing? maybe theres another reason your guy isnt eating or pooping.

[Fishfriend1]

good luck:clap: