help with 18 year old blood red Parrot fish. what is coming out of rectum?

[manslayerchick]

Have you tested your water?

No

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

61-70%

How frequently do you change your water?

Infrequently; more than a month between changes

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

he has had the bubble for about six months now, but just within the last four weeks this red protruding started that looks like intestines. He’s still eating, but his swimming is off. please help

 

[phreeflow]

First off, congrats and keeping that fish for 18 years. Has he been swimming weird ever since that bubble showed up 6 months ago? Have no clue what is going on but it might be it’s swim bladder or innards that are sticking out. It might just be suffering from old age. You could try mixing epsom salt into its food or adding it to the tank

 

[manslayerchick]

First off, congrats and keeping that fish for 18 years. Has he been swimming weird ever since that bubble showed up 6 months ago? Have no clue what is going on but it might be it’s swim bladder or innards that are sticking out. It might just be suffering from old age. You could try mixing epsom salt into its food or adding it to the tank

thank you so much. no just started swimming weird since the red thing, he was fine with the bubble. But now it’s the bubble and the red thing. how much Epson salt do you recommend?

 

[quikv6]

It may be a prolapse of sorts. I have treated a prolapse with epsom salt baths and fasting. In my experience (maybe 3-4 fish, all smaller livebearers over the years), most times the prolapse reabsorbed into the body over a few days.

I have heard they may reabsorb on their own, so I have no idea if the epsom salt was directly responsible for the success.

In your case, I don't think I'd risk the stress of netting an 18 year old bigger fish multiple times a day. I don't know what else is in the tank, but you may consider adding epsom to the tank for a few days. If you do, I'd do a low dose and be aware it may raise your GH some.