Sailfin With Lost Appetite

[wiggywhitetrash]

Hey

I have a 6" sailfin plec in a 6' 180g. By plec standards, he's very active and he usually has a big appetite. A few days ago, I noticed that wasn't really moving around much and when I put food into the tank he just ignored it. An hour or so later when I dimmed the lights, he seemed to get a bit more active and had a nibble at the courgette I put in for him. This has continued from Friday evening through to tonight. He seems to perk up when I dim the lights but even though he's at least eating something, by the time I remove the food, it looks like he's barely touched it. By comparison, he would usually see me get in from work and then sit in front of the glass, starring at me until I feed him. His veg would look shredded by the time I remove it. Might be nothing, but I've also noticed him a couple of times, darting to the surface and back down, like a surface breathing cat would do. Tank parameters are stable and the lima cat, he shares the tank with is acting normally. Any ideas what could be wrong with him?
Thanks
Steve

 

[Wailua Boy]

I would stick to a low protein diet and actually let your fish fast for 5 days, after that resume normal feeding. With plecos, they tend to eat if healthy. If you are still seeing he is not eating after a fasting period, there may be a health issue; likely a gastrointestinal issue.

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

I would stick to a low protein diet and actually let your fish fast for 5 days, after that resume normal feeding. With plecos, they tend to eat if healthy. If you are still seeing he is not eating after a fasting period, there may be a health issue; likely a gastrointestinal issue.

Thanks, I'll give it a try

 

[Warborg]

It could also be nothing. Fish can be like people where they go though 'off days' of not feeling good. Where it may pass and they return to normal. In your case it is worth taking notice.

I'd also add increased water changes for awhile.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

couldn't hurt to possibly treat this like a possible blockage or gastrointestinal issue and maybe do an Epsom salt treatment on him. Even try feeding a few green peas as well.

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll bear this in mind.

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

Hey guys
Still no improvement. I haven't been able to get to get him to eat the peas. He's never had them before though so I'm not sure if he's even registering them as food. I'm ready to try Epsom salt but when I googled this, I found a lot of conflicting information about whether or not Epsom salt is safe for plecos. Can anyone clarify this for me please? Thanks.
Steve

 

[EcastL]

I would try melafix/pimafix mix. I had a 10" sailfin that stopped eating, ended up having bloat. I used the mix for a week and he was back to normal.

Check his poop. Still pooping? Clear/stringy?