Itchy starving loach

Rouen

Registered Member
Jul 4, 2007
2
0
0
Hi everyone,

I had a pair of clown loaches that weren't very active so I added another one because most loach enthusiasts say they like large groups and 3+ they become active. I've had my larges(6 inches) since s/he was tiny, it's now around 6 inches, the other I also got when it was small and is now about 4 inches. I added 3 other small ones but one hasn't been eating, he's getting so thin. I watched him today while he was looking for food that he recognised(I've tried everything but he will not take it in) and he started itching, I've had him a week and he shows no signs of illness other than being so thin and now itching. I'm guessing he's probly got a parasite. so what can I treat them with, I know loaches are really hard to medicate and I clearly dont want them to die.

I've also got rasboras, pygmy corydoras and farlowellas, along with live plants in the aquarium.

Thanks, and heres a photo of the little guy
pictures075-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/rouenduck/pictures075-2.jpg
 
Last edited:
There is a disease common among clown loaches, called chronic wasting disease, or sometimes "skinny disease." There's an article on it at loaches.com, but their website seems to be down. I'll post a link later if I can get on the site.
I don't know much about it, but I believe that it's parasitic.
 
I read about skinny disease after I posted. One of the recommended medications I had on hand so I dosed the whole tank, he did seem to be feeling a little better afterward but still looks like he doesn't feel well at all. He did mouth some food but it's hard to tell if he actually took any in. I dont think he's gonna make it though. The others seem fine and the smaller ones have brought out a more playful side in the bigger two, even though it's just the bigger two that are palying.:huh:
Thanks for the help.
 
AquariaCentral.com