Infection around Frontosa anus. Need advice. Thanks!

[davet]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0 ppm

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0ppm

If yes, what is your nitrate?

0ppm

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?

31-40%

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.

Just noticed this yesterday. No other fish affected. Frontosa is 3 years old, has been in the same tank since 12 weeks old. Please advise course of treatment,

Thanks!

 

[neutrino]

Looks like what happens when a female has impacted eggs, something they can be susceptible to. It's tough to cure at this stage, but the best shot is heavy Epsom Salt (at least one cup per 100 gals, some have done two cups per 100 gals) and Kanamycin (Kanaplex is one product).

I found that prevention consists of keeping some Epsom Salt in the water and adding extra whenever a female starts developing eggs (varies, but this can be every two or three months for an individual female).

 

[neutrino]

...There are a couple of risky treatments that only rarely seem to work--- some try massaging the eggs out, some try needling, like some do to cure "float" (a different condition). The only other thing would be if you had access to a vet who treats fish.

 

[davet]

Yeah, I kind of figured it was eggs after doing a little research. When you say " It's tough to cure at this stage" do you mean it is likely terminal for the fish?

I think I will try and message the eggs out as you mentioned above. I have already salt. Thanks much for your help!

 

[deeda]

Be sure to use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) not Salt (sodium chloride).

 

[davet]

Be sure to use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) not Salt (sodium chloride).
[/QUOTE
Was using API Aquarium Salt. It does not list specific ingredients, just says "made from evaporated sea water". I assume it is not magnesium sulfate?

 

[RD.]

You assumed correctly.

 

[RD.]

Also ensure that you use pure epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) that contains zero surfactants/soap,fragrance, etc. Most pharmacies carry what you need, including Walmart. Good luck

 

[neutrino]

When you say " It's tough to cure at this stage" do you mean it is likely terminal for the fish?

There's hope, I've had it go both ways, but unfortunately it's often fatal. I have cured some I thought I might lose because of the stage they were at, but the sooner you can recognize and catch it the better your odds. There's been a lot of Cyphotilapia-specfic discussion on "egg bound" over the years, especially on a couple of now defunct Cyphotilapia forums-- treatment and theories about causes. I did (and posted) a lot of research, but I eventually found I could prevent and virtually eliminate it simply by adding Epsom salt to water changes (in my water I do 1/4-1/3 cup per 100 gals), adding extra when I detect a female is fattening with eggs, and even more if I see behavior changes indicating any problem. Lake Tanganyika is higher in magnesium than the other major East African lakes, which may be a factor in my opinion.

Aquarium salt, canning salt, sea salt, Morton's salt, etc. are all sodium chloride, sea salt may have trace minerals, table salt may have anit-caking additives. A lot of people who are wise to this use canning salt (or Kosher salt) rather than pay a premium for "aquarium" salt.

 

[neutrino]

Also ensure that you use pure epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) that contains zero surfactants/soap,fragrance, etc. Most pharmacies carry what you need, including Walmart. Good luck

I stumbled into finding this out years ago. Picked a bag off the same shelf as before, never occurred to me that there was perfumed Epsom salt. Added to my water change as usual and "What the heck! Why am I'm smelling perfume?" Looked at the package-- lavender scented. Quick put the fish in another tank and did (more than) a 100% water change, which saved the day.