Pleco with bubble near anus

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MRE

MRE

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Oct 19, 2008
134
44
61
Parrish, FL
Hey guys,

I have a pleco that just today developed a bubble-looking protrusion near his anus, actually just above it. It is mostly clear to pinkish in color and has what appears to blood in one side of it. He is acting normally but I am obviously concerned. He is in a 55 gallon freshwater tank with 3 convicts, convict fry, 2 yellow labs and a rusty cichlid. I have had this pleco for around 5-6 years. He has been setup in this tank for 8-9 months. None of the other fish are acting abnormally or have any growths. I have been feeding him and the other fish in the tank southern delight cichlid food that I got from my lfs. I also feed him aquarian algae chips occasionally.

I haven't tested the water yet since none of the other fish seem to have any problems. I do a ten percent water change once every week or two. I have two aqua-tech 30-60 filters running for filtration.

Any help in diagnosing his/her condition would be greatly appreciated.
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You cant do allot for them if it is prolapsed.

lots of large water changes..cut back on food so there is not as much moving threw them so it can try and heal.
Maybe move him from the large tank if you can to stop fish from picking on it or it getting scraped or cut on tank deco.
not sure what meds would help...someone with more experience should chime in soon.
If you search prolapsed rectum on the site there are a few threads about people treating there fish with it.

Good luck.
 
Step up on your water changes. You have a common pleco for crying out loud. You should be doing 40-50% water changes every week. Also, You seriously need to get better food for your pleco. I suggest looking through the Pleco Subforum on here on a proper diet.. As for the prolapsed anus.. Add Epsom salt.. It helps prevent the anus from getting infected and hopefully it will get better that it will retract. Driftwood also helps pleco digest their food better as well.. so look into getting some.
 
Water said:
Driftwood also helps pleco digest their food better as well.. so look into getting some.
Click to expand...

this has been up for debate for quite some time, as not all plecos eat driftwood.
 
mshill90 said:
this has been up for debate for quite some time, as not all plecos eat driftwood.
Click to expand...

Most plecos need driftwood.. some species need more driftwood than others.. but they can also live fine without it.. Does that mean they're happy without driftwood..? Doubt it.
 
Aside from the obvious issue, your pleco also looks dangerously skinny. After/if it recovers, you will definitely need to add some variety to its diet and start feeding it regularly. Otherwise, I have a feeling it won't last much longer anyway.
 
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