redlessi

I have a bolivian ram (I think its a female) that has a swollen area right near the breeding tube? that looks like something is hanging out. Its red at the opening and pointy with white fluffy stringy stuff at the end. I am waiting for my batteries to charge to see if I can get a pic.

None of the other fish have it. No other differences. Nothing new in the tank. Water params 0, 0, 10 with weekly water changes.

Should I be worried? I have no idea what it is

Shawnie

could be just poo and it comes in all colors...depending on their diets..I know some of my angels have white/brown poo .if the fish are acting and eating ok, and it doesnt look like its alive (worm like) and moving on its own, id not worry about it

redlessi

I've been looking extra closely at all of my fin babies especially since Bleu's fin rot saga.

Thanks Shawnie.

redlessi

Ok so now I am starting to worry about her. She is hiding a lot, laying on the bottom of the tank. She did come out to eat today and it still looks like something red is hanging out. The area is swollen and red as well.

She is usually all over the tank very active. She usually comes to the front to greet me.

Furallicah

Hmmm....Im not sure Redlessi, I could be poo...but im not sure what it could be I dont have much experience with snails. I have two now but not for very long to learn much about them. Umm...lets see...what do you feed her to eat?

catfishlover123

Some pictures may help, if your batteries are charged.

redlessi

Is my bolivian ram that I am worried about.

If she comes out again I will try a picture. Shes hiding in the driftwood cave.

Its the area where the breeding tube is that is red and swollen. It had some poo yesterday but now its just the red pointy thing.

Attached Images

rsz_lucy_sick resize.jpg (313.5 KB, 47 views)

catfishlover123

Ok then. I hope your fish will be ok.

redlessi

added pic

bolivianbaby

I've never seen that on either of my rams.

I would definitely say that doesn't look normal. Could you get her in a quarantine tank and give her some antibiotics? Hopefully one of our "medicinal experts" will be along shortly because I'm not experienced with which medications help which ailments.

Lucy

Hi Red, I'm really sorry your ram isn't feeling well.
I'm not sure I can be any help. Have you done any research on Camallanus Worms?
Here's a recent thread on the subject. Ken has a few good links there.
Camallanus Worms

Please understand, I don't know what it is, just giving you something to research.

Best of luck and keep us informed.

redlessi

OMG, I read those links and I truly hope its not that. Sadly enough it sounds like it can be. It does look like red paint brush things hanging out. This sound just dreadful. Do you think my whole tank could be infected?

catfishlover123

Well, it may be. I would try to transfer the ram and use some medication, just in case, if it is safe for the rest of the fish.

Lucy

I don't know that much about it other than it's highly contageous, hard to get the meds and even harder to get rid of.

Do some research and see what you find.
It won't hurt to isolate your ram and just treat her. I'd hate to see you medicate heathy fish.

catfishlover123

Sorry for the mistake!

Lucy

I don't know that it is a mistake.

I'm going to move this to the disease section of the forum.
Maybe someone with more experience with Camallanus Worms will chime in and let us know if that's what they think it is, or it's something else.

redlessi

Thanks much Lucy. Hopefully it is something else. Just thinking its that has given me a headache.

aquarist48

Hello Red.
Sorry your fish is ill. I don't have personal experience with the type of worms mentioned but here are a few links on the subject
Camallanus Worms: An Aquariasts Worst Nightmare
Camallanus Worms
Camallanus Worms...
The links named the same are not duplicates.
I'm a bit concerned too due to the fact the fishes fins from front to back seem to be tinted red. That isn't normal for this type of fish is it? hmmmmmm
Best of luck Red.
Ken

Melissawater

If I could see its bottom better I would have a better idea if it is camallanus worms, as they can stick out pretty far from the fish. They are red and can either stick out barely with lots of tails or 1-3 at a time about an inch (in my experience). I would google for pictures of it to help.
My 30 gallon currently has them and have tried 2 different types of meds so far and 1 more in the mail. The worms can take up to 6 months to show sign and it transfers so fast I would recommend treating the whole tank, IF it's camallanus worms. The best medicine I have heard of so far is Levamisole hcl (spelling?), it treats the tank and fish through the water instead of through food. This is the only effective med that does this that I found so far. Mine is coming from Charles Harrison that someone on here recommended and I will hopefully get it soon and can tell you more about it then. I can not remember the website address, but I can give you the email if you want.

redlessi

Thanks Ken, the first two links are not working. The red trim on the fins is normal for these bolivian rams.

Mine is coming from Charles Harrison that someone on here recommended and I will hopefully get it soon and can tell you more about it then. I can not remember the website address, but I can give you the email if you want.

Thanks Melissa, I would love the information.

Lucy

The links worked fine for me, maybe try again?

redlessi

Thanks they work and one of them has the website for the meds. I emailed and am waiting for a response.

It does look like it the evil camallus worms. Thanks Lucy for the quick response.

Unfortunately we are in the middle of a blizzard with the snow still falling, we already have about 15 in so I am trapped in the house. I will have to wait and see what happens.

Lucy

Stay safe in the storm.
Sending good thoughts your way, for both the weather and your fin abies.

redlessi

Thanks much, we are at 26.7 inches of snow..............

redlessi

Since its only 1 bolivian ram in my 72 gal tank with visible worms? protruding and I also have 2 other tanks with no signs except my betta has a stubborn case of fin rot. Do you think I will have to treat all 3 tanks?