Pleco very sick

[GiantPeach]

Hi -

Noticed two days ago that my pleco had distended belly and some small cloudy blisters. I'm relatively new to keeping fish. Researching I came up with two possibilities for distended belly - dropsy or constipation. I have quarantined him to a small tank with airstone, treated with Jungle Fizz and put some peas in the tank hoping he will eat them for laxative effect. I've had to change the water a couple of times, so I'm concerned maybe the treatment isn't giving full effect, and no change in belly.

I've not found anything online that can tell me about the blisters, which have grown considerably. Pictures are attached, can anyone shed any light on my poor buddy's problems and how to help him out?

Incidentally, no real water quality issues in main tank, had been about a week since a water change and all tests came up in acceptable range. Other fish in there is a medium-sized cichlid who has not been affected.

Thanks.
c.

http://downloads.balara.com/pleco1.jpg

http://downloads.balara.com/pleco2.jpg

[ChileRelleno]

I'm stumped :o and some quick searching didn't turn up jack :( , so I PM'd a Plec guru (:bowing: Crom, is his name. ) over at Plecofanatics with a link to your thread.
Hopefully he'll get back to you ASAP.

[Maj0rFiSh]

It looks like hes swallowed something he shouldnt have :confused:

[tra1216]

Hi there. I am sorry to hear that your pl*co is so sick. I was doing a bit of research on a forum dedicated to pl*cos and got the suggestions for ones that had similar symptoms as yours. They suggested that the distended belly may be caused by a parasite and that you would need to try a medicine called metranidozole in the full strength doses. They also reccomended doing a 10 percent water change daily and to keep him in quarintine. You may also want to try and contact your local fish store and see if they have any further ideas for you. I hope that I have been able to help atleast alitle bit. Good Luck.


Tracey

[GiantPeach]

Thanks for the info, I'll take a swing with that medicine, at this point there is nothing to lose, I think. I'm already doing daily water changes in quarantine.

c.

[tra1216]

Just wanted to check and see if your pl*co is doing ok. Let us know.

Tracey

[chrisinha]

besides chilerelleno's aid from plecofanatics.com, try to get some help at planetcatfish.com as well. poor guy! i hope he gets better!! :(

[Bayesoft]

I just read that this is called Infectious Ascites or Dropsy caused by bacteria and/or viruses. Infectious Ascites (http://www.fishbase.se/Diseases/DiseasesSummary2.cfm?discode=182)

Symptoms include extreme bloating and bulging eyes.

Caused most frequently by parasites, poor water conditions and/or spoiled food.

The water should be very clean and food should be fresh. Might I suggest a fluidized bed filter for the tank housing these critters. Also if you're feeding vegetable matter, ie; cukes, zucchini. You sink them overnight and remove them in the morning.

Hopefully it is not too late to save him/her. I fear the worst judging from the pics.

[Maj0rFiSh]

Any news peach?!