GouramiGirl1221

I just got home after being at the dorm all week and noticed that one of my swordtails has white/clear stringy poo. Sign of internal parasites, correct? I remember a recent thread on this that I read, but I couldn't find it. She may have just had fry if that matters...I'm not really sure which of the two of them it was, although I'm pretty sure it wasn't her as I've owned her for about five months now and she's had no exposure to males; I didn't think they could stay fertilized that long, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Another question...how did she get the parasites? From the looks of things she's the only one affected so far, and she hasn't been showing symptoms for any longer than a week for sure because I was home last weekend and all was well. As I said, I've owned her about 5 months. I know new fish can always introduce disease, but wouldn't the new fish that carried the parasites in also be showing symptoms?

What meds should I use to treat the internal parasites? Something that won't effect my cycle would be greatly appreciated. Please respond quickly if you can...I'd love to run and get something tonight before the LFS closes so I can start getting her taken care of.

Lucy

I'm sorry to hear about your swordtail.
Jungle's Parasite Clear tabs are supposed to be pretty good and not effect the cycle.
If you can get her to eat medicated food it would probably be better.

pinkfloydpuffer

Parasites are always present... Usually there's something that compromises the fish's immune system and allows opportunistic infections (bullying, stress, water quality, etc)
Getting the meds inside of her will be much more effective than treating the water. If you can't get her to eat the medicated food, try soaking her food in a bit of water with the parasite clear tabs for an hour before feeding.
Good luck

Lucy

Good idea, PFP. You could also try soaking medicared pellets in blood worm juice. Yum!

GouramiGirl1221

So to feed the medicated food I'd need to isolate her, correct? Surely everyone shouldn't be eating it...

GouramiGirl1221

Great news, she's eating it! It said on the bottle that it's good to use a preventative medicine, so I'm just feeding it to everyone. I have to crush it up for their small little mouths, but they gobbled it up just like their crisps or anything else. She should be on the mend in no time. Thanks guys!

pinkfloydpuffer

That's good to hear! Good luck