Senegal bichir lump on stomach

[Irecruitfish]

I'm not sure how long this lump has been there for but safe to say over a month. I assumed it was because he ate two of my tiger barbs and has been consistently fed. But the lump remains even after 5 days of no food.

What causes concerned was during todays feeding it tookk forever to eat 4 pellets. Constantly chewing and spitting it out. It finished all food.

Should I be concerned?

 

[tlindsey]

Give it a little more time and hopefully whatever it ate passes.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Give it a little more time and hopefully whatever it ate passes.

Oh I just remembered I dropped a snail into the tank which was a tiny one. This was about 2 months ago. Will bichirs eat snails? Such a dumb move by me. I wasn't thinking clearly.

 

[tlindsey]

Oh I just remembered I dropped a snail into the tank which was a tiny one. This was about 2 months ago. Will bichirs eat snails? Such a dumb move by me. I wasn't thinking clearly.

Yes not a dumb move some fish enjoy snails.

 

[magpie]

I have read about using epsom salt to help with digestion/constipation. Some do epsom soaks (remove fish, do a bath) others dose the tank, others feed epsom soaked pellets (probably the easiest). If you search on here you should find some info. I hope he gets better soon!

 

[predatorkeeper87]

I'd monitor for a week, if that bump doesn't go down in another 5-7 days, I believe Epsom salt food soaking is in order.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Thanks I'll monitor for a few days and if it doesn't get better I'll research epsom salt.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Thanks I'll monitor for a few days and if it doesn't get better I'll research epsom salt.

Quick update. I starved him for 3 days and fed one pea last night. The bump is still there but seems smaller. Now that I fed one pea can I feed him his normal carnivore pellet today or should I wait?

 

[tlindsey]

Quick update. I starved him for 3 days and fed one pea last night. The bump is still there but seems smaller. Now that I fed one pea can I feed him his normal carnivore pellet today or should I wait?

View attachment 1223664

Yes I would feed the Sen the Carnivore pellet.

 

[tlindsey]

Yes I would feed the Sen the Carnivore pellet.

Break pellet up if possible.