Cichlid stretch marks?

[peterp63]

I recently purchased a bunch of african cichlids (mostly lemon yellows and red zebras) and some of them have an indented stomach.  They are healthy as can be and eat like crazy, they just look kind of funny.  I'm wondering if these are females that have produced eggs in the past and have a void space where the eggs used to be.  Just curious...

[CichlidFan]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

That is hard to say without seeing the fish in person, but it sounds like it could be a stress disorder or a growth defect.

CF

[peterp63]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Hmmm.... I'll try to get some pics for you to look at.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Did you buy them from a LFS or an individual?  How long have you had them?

[SteveCGG]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Sounds like internal parasites....probably need to get some Metronidazole. I thought the same thing you did, til fish started to die even though they were eating great. Try feeding anti-parasite food also.

[jeb102385]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

I have a cichlid doing the same thing at home and I tried clout with no avail what is the best kind of anti parisite and where can I get it?

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Do the fish have regular poo?  Or is is stringy and possibly whitish in color?

[jeb102385]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Honestly couldn't tell you

[peterp63]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

I haven't taken notice of the poo yet.  Also, wouldn't parasites bloat the stomach out since they are living in there and multiplying and partying and stuff??

I bought them from an individual here on the box, Algarcia.

[fishlady]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

not neccessarily Peter....there are parasites that shrink up the belly big time...i'll see if i can hook that up online and post you the problem with some answers.....but if you have them in a community tank....i suggest you put them into a sick tank until you know what's really goin on.....

[alexarae]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

not neccessarily Peter....there are parasites that shrink up the belly big time...i'll see if i can hook that up online and post you the problem with some answers.....but if you have them in a community tank....i suggest you put them into a sick tank until you know what's really goin on.....

+1. It's always best to take the necessary precautions.

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Hmmm...okay.  I asked about LFS vs. individual because sometimes I've bought fish from LFS who have the 'sunken' stomach, and after a few weeks home with us, they fatten up.  So, that's out.  :)

And the parasites wouldn't bloat the stomach out necessarily.  A lot of the time the bloating affect you see in fish is due to fluid retention.  Usually a sign that there is a problem with the kidneys.  

The whitish stringy poo is a really good indicator of an internal parasite/problem in the digestive track.  

Just be careful with the Clout and Metro treatments.  Keep an eye on your water while using those drugs.  They can clobber your good bacteria in the tank.  Last thing you want is to stress the fish through a cycle.  

You could step up the water changes, 20% - 30% every couple of days for a week or so and see if they improve.  Nothing beats clean water for keeping/getting fish healthy.

[peterp63]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Okay, well I've taken notice of a few more fish that seem to have the same type of problem.  I tried to snap a few shots and will post them tonight for you all to see.  I'm thinkin more and more that they could be parasites.  Metronidazole seems to be the med of choice for internal bugs.  Will this stuff color the silicone much like Ich remedies?  Because I really don't want to see blue silicone in my room divider aquarium... that would SUCK!  Also, I've heard that they sell Metronidazole dosed food that gets right to the source.  Anyone use any of these meds??  Anything will help!

Peter

[szidlon]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

I've never had metro discolor silicone.  There are some medicated flakes you can get online but it can be difficult to force the fish to eat it LOL.  There are also some gel medications (by Gel Tek) that I've had good luck with by soaking their regular food in a few drops, letting it absorb and dry and then feeding.  Or you can lightly wet dry pellets, and sprinkle metro powder on the pellets, let it dry, and then feed.  It's always best if you can get the fish to ingest the meds IMHO.  Still, you should pull out the sick fish and medicate them separately, not only for the health of the other fish, but the cost involved to treat an entire tank if you are using water additives for treatment and the negative effects meds can have on plants on some species of fish.  When I make beefheart I will set aside a small amount and make a special batch with med's included.  If you can get a pic it will help.  There's no sense in medicating a fish if it doesn't really need treatment or using the wrong treatment.

[peterp63]

Re: Cichlid stretch marks?

Thanks, szidlon.  I will post pics tonight when I get home from work.  Ever hear of terramycin?  J and J Aquafarms sells Medicated Food and that's what they use as the medicine.  I may try this and treat the entire tank since they eat like crazies anyways.  The stuff is pretty cheap 8 lb for only $12.