Ruby Red Dragonet Illness?

[Dreadnaught]

I noticed my larger (male?) RRD looks fully emancipated and is not moving much this morning. While the other looks so bloated she is about to pop. I see them spawn often but this does not seem like normal behavior or appearance. Any thoughts or suggestions? They have been in my tank for 2 years. I could get a hospital tank set-up quickly but not sure if it would help at this point.

 

[Humblefish]

This is very strange. I’m wondering if intestinals worm and/or an internal infection might be in play here. The former eating away at the gut could cause the latter in the dragonet who looks bloated.

Have you ever seen white stringy poop come out of either fish?

 

[Dreadnaught]

I have never noticed It coming from these two. I lost some Anthia a year ago probably due to worms. This was my original thought as well.

 

[Maritimer]

... Which begs a question . . . how would one treat for parasitic worms in a dragonet?!

~Bruce

 

[Humblefish]

... Which begs a question . . . how would one treat for parasitic worms in a dragonet?!

Metro soaked Masstick, roe or any other frozen food they will eat. If it is a pod only eating dragonet, dose metro in a QT for 2-3 weeks and hope enough makes it's way into their digestive tract to have an impact.

 

[bwomac44]

Any resolution of this issue?
I have a ruby red dragonette that looks quite bloated.

 

[bwomac44]

I’m thinking I’m going to catch her at night, put her in QT, and feed her metro + focus for a few weeks with finely sliced Mysis.