M Lutea - Stress vs Internal Parasite

[dr exum]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

5-10ppm

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

41-50%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Since I’ve separated the colony into their own species.

3 - M lutea that were the runts of the group suddenly grew long but not fat...

I’ve been throwing hex sheild (Sm pellets) in there For 5 days...

long stringy white poop and sunken looking belly...

there were no new fish introduced to this colony, has been same fish since last year sometime...

i May have thrown in a little tilapia?

treatment?

their tankmates all seem to be overweight. I do see them appear pickey at times with food.

water -

80deg
Ph 8.0
Ammo - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5-10ppm
Water is hard.

two emp350 filters and Marineland 360 canister on 75g

12 m lutea -
2 Bristlenose
2 Syno

 

[DwarfCichlidLvr]

Id say internal parasite.
Stress wouldn't do that to the poo. I can help futher though.
angelcrze may though.

 

[dr exum]

This is what I’ve been giving them?

got it from the tilapia? (Frozen Costco fish)

have prazi - not used

 

[DwarfCichlidLvr]

I really don't know anything else - sorry.

 

[dr exum]

I really don't know anything else - sorry.

it’s all good... gonna keep on with the hex...

 

[dr exum]

Feel like this is probably what’s called for...

 

[dr exum]

Feel like this is probably what’s called for...

dosed...

 

[angelcrze]

Hex Sheild already has Metro in it. They also have epsom salts and a double dose of garlic. All helpful against Hex.

Have the thin fish eaten the Hex Sheild? Do they eat it and not spit? If so, I would either continue treatment or if completed and you don't feel there is improvement, the only thing left to treat are nematodes. So if you're looking for another treatment, i'd order a dewormer. Levamisole Hydrochloride is a good one since it's absorbed thru the skin.
Here's a good link for treatment if interested

Levamisole Hydrochloride — Loaches Online

Its application and usage in freshwater aquariums.

www.loaches.com

 

[dr exum]

I’ve noticed the skinny ones not eating well, I soaked some bloodworms in metroplex and garlic guard.

 

[angelcrze]

If completed and you don't feel there is improvement, the only thing left to treat are nematodes.

Oops I just saw you haven't treated with PraziPro. I thought you did. So nematodes are not the only thing left. But I would still look at dewormers and suspect nematodes if the metro doesn't seem to help.

I’ve noticed the skinny ones not eating well, I soaked some bloodworms in metroplex and garlic guard.

So it was the Hex Shield they weren't eating well?
And what about the medicated bloodworms, eating, not spitting? I watch the fish for a while to make sure they don't spit. I don't know how long you feed the Metro for, just make sure not to feed too long or use too much. I hope you see some improvement with them.