Sick huge pleco

Thank you all so much for the replies!

I think the wounds make him look abnormaly skinny. I'm usually more concerned that the fish are too fat but I will keep a look out.

I didn't make it to a pet store today because of making the hospital tank ready and had to go straight to work after that. I was wondering if putting salt in the hospital tank would be a good idea? Or should I hold out for melafix (or something similar they carry around these parts).
 
Melafix, melafix melafix!!! Melafix is used for treating wounds versus Pimafix is used for treated fungus. We use Melafix at the store alot and the plecs all seem to tolerate it well. I agree that it looks like a battle wound. Plecs don't usually tolerate salt that well although I add salt to all my tanks during weekly water changes. If he is in his own tank I may hold out until you can get the Melafix. Also, like stated before he does look a bit thin. Have you ever tried fresh zucchini with him??? If not, give it a try. They love it and it will make him feel special. :)

Good Luck and keep us posted.
 
Originally posted by Watcher74
I'm a little confused by everyone talking about the Pleco's scales.

I thought all catfish were either naked(scaleless) or covered in bony scutes (armoured), not scaled.

Is that not true?
Click to expand...
Actually, the large bony "scales are armour plating or scutes which provide a shield.

Amything, I would also hold out for the melafix as salt could irritate the pleco, causing his immune system to drop more than it already may be... especially since you will be moving him to a hospital tank.... if you haven't already done so.
 
I would agree he's under stress, no dropsy

Those are just his armor plates in the picture, not dropsy. He is showing the paleness of extreme stress (I agree I've seen this in plecos before they belly up too).

I agree with the other recommendations about moving him into another tank.

No salt!!!! Plecos from what I've heard don't like salt (I don't have any in my tank with my fancies).

I'd worry about medications at full strength right now. Maybe try at half strength to see how he handles it and monitor him closely for any adverse reactions. He's on the edge now, and anything may send him over.

Put in some wood for him to chew, and feed him cucumber, spinich or some type of greens and algae wafers. If he doesn't eat try a little garlic on his greens to see if that builds up his apatite (yeah I feel like I need to go to cooking school for my plecos).

I'd go for a broad spectrum antibiotic at half strength, maybe he has an injury from the other pleco, or the other pleco didn't let him eat. Those guys have sharp spines on the end of their fins that they use in battle.

Put some current and plenty of water movement in his hospital tank.

Good luck! fingers crossed he makes it through this!
tpl*co
 
Well I called every pet store in the country and no one has heard of melafix. I read up on it and it seems to be a natural extract which I guess means it's more difficult to find something that does the same thing.

One store recomended some Aloe Vera medicine. I guess thats the next best thing at this time?
 
I just read your information, and didn't realize you live in Iceland... how cool!!

I found this site to buy some melafix:

http://www.aquariumpros.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MDab

That is a very good price!!! I paid $8 for my bottle at PetSmart. I couldn't figure out how much they charge for shipping, but they will ship to Iceland...

I've never heard of using aloe vera, but it IS all natural and probably couldn't hurt matters.

Good luck!

~Tara
 
I didn't realize you're in Iceland either

I was going to recommend Petsmart too, since I've seen it there too. I've never heard about aloe vera for fish either, but I guess since it works on humans for injuries? Have you moved him yet? How's he doing?
 
OOPs, now we have you on a search for tea tree oil

Do you have a pharmacy or health food store that would carry it? I think tea tree oil would be easier to find than Melafix since you are overseas :)
 
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