Je55*e

This morning I noticed one of my Marbled Hatchets' stomach is very rounded, sticking out on either side of his or her (I have no idea how to sex them) body. It's swimming around fine and looks normal otherwise, but has anyone heard of this before?

Basic tank info: 20g FW planted; water parameters great (don't have current numbers, but I did a dip stick and that came out as 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 0 nitrates, which means probably 5 nitrates--dip sticks are a bit unreliable, as we know); tank mates are 1 Otto (awaiting two others in the QT tank), 1 other Marbled Hatchet and 2 Silver Hatchets (awaiting another Marbled and another Silver in the QT tank), 3 Striped Kuhli Loaches and 3 Ghost Shrimp which were added last night (just the shrimp and the loaches). I have not seen anyone bothering each other at all; the Loaches and Shrimp have stayed mostly on the sand and not gone up top. Is this some sort of stress response to the new tank mates?

Photos:

side view


front view

Je55*e

Anyone?

aquarist48

Good morning Je55. I've never had the Hatchets before so I can't say for sure if it's pregnant or not. If it isn't pregnant it could be constipated.
http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-heal...tion-food.aspx The above link is concerning aquarium fish constipation that you may find helpful. Try feeding the fish some thawed frozen peas that have been blanched (boiled for a minute or two) cut them into tiny pieces. The peas act as a laxative. Best of luck. Keep us posted. Too, I'm sure you'll get some more responses soon.

Je55*e

Thanks aquarist! I'll try that. Couldn't hurt!