Is my gold severum bloated??

[THQ]

Hi all, I noticed 2 weeks ago after feeding my 6" SL gold sev his first live mealworms that he had this big bulge in his tummy. None of the other fish got this bulge. It is centred on where his stomach is, and the scales are flat, so I don't think it's dropsy. He is always so greedy with food and ate a lot, probably 6 medium mealworms in one go. I don't think it's eggs either, as the worming around the face seems to make him a male?

I got a bit alarmed thinking it was bloat. However, there has been no change at all in his activity, behaviour and appetite. He is still voracious when any food goes into the tank. I understand this means it is unlikely that it is bloat? To be safe, I fed him shelled peas and also high spirulina pellets/wafers soaked in epsom salt bath as mentioned by RD on this forum. He seems to be pooing normally with green poo that looks no different. No white stringy poo.

Any further advice? Is this just a normal full tummy? He is always so greedy, so I am worried my other fish wil starve if I fast him and don't put food in the tank. I only have a small 10G QT, so don't want to stress him out putting him in there for now. Should I treat for internal parasites? Praziquantel? Thanks.

 

[rdKirby]

Soaking his food in garlic is another thing you could do if I'm not mistaken. I read somewhere a while back it's supposed to help with appetite and parasites, not that he needs anymore help eating lol. But it's something else to try before meds.

 

[xraycer]

From the picture, it doesn't look that bad at all....more full, than bloated.

I wouldn't medicate or intervene at this moment. If it looks like its starting to go downhill, then get aggressive. Otherwise, just let things sort themselves out...they usually do.

If you decide to go the fasting route, don't worry about starvation. Healthy fish can go months and months without food (except for frys and the very young).

 

[THQ]

Soaking his food in garlic is another thing you could do if I'm not mistaken. I read somewhere a while back it's supposed to help with appetite and parasites, not that he needs anymore help eating lol. But it's something else to try before meds.

OK thanks. What's the best way to soak the food in garlic?

 

[rdKirby]

Mince up some garlic, not a lot, and mix it with some tank water and however many pellets you plan on feeding. Then dump in the pellets and some pieces of garlic. It's gonna be messy just a heads up.