Fecal Disorders

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments & Links

A).   The vent or anal area is inflamed, and feces are often slimey 

If Not

↓

The feces contain small, thin worms.  This is the larvae of livebearing nematodes

Treat with:   Paracide-D.

B).   The vent does not appear to be inflamed, but no fecal matter can be expressed completely, and is dragged around like a long slimey string

If Not

↓

The intestines are affected with either: 

a).  Bacteria 

b).  Flagellates 

c).   Worms. 

Make a fecal mount to determine the problem

Treat with:

a).   Doxycycline

b).  Metronidazole

c). = Paracide-D

C).   Fecal droppings are white or yellow, and slimy

If Not

↓

Your fish is probably affected with intestinal flagellates.  Nematodes can be the secondary cause

Treat with Metronidazole -or- Paracide-D.

D).   When the fish remain stationary, red or brown worms hang out of the anus looking like a pom-pom

If Not

↓

The fish is affected by Camallanus worms, which bear live larvae

Treat with: Paracide-D in the food and De-Los in the water.

E).   Whitish, flat, elongated segments are seen coming from the anus.  Or in fecal matter, several segments

If Not

↓

Your fish are affected with a Tape Worm

Mix up some frozen food with Paracide-D and feed to the fish for 3-5 days.

F).   The feces is long, white and stringy.  The feces contain elongated eggs with champagne-cork-like covers

If Not

↓

Your fish are affected with Capillaria Worm Larvae

Treat with:  Paracide-D.

G).   The fish is bloated up, has a reduced appetite and also has clear to white feces

Your fish is affected with Hexamita.  Very common in Discus and African Cichlids.  This is referred to as "Malawi Bloat"