Loaches Online Forum

Hi,
I am still at a loss. My largest loach has two holes in it's dorsal fin, other then the fact that it seldom exits its home we can see it playing with the other loaches inside its hiding place. The other three loaches are in and out but the largest one seems to be content with staying inside the fixture.
When I think back over the year and a half (give a month or two) he always seemed to stay inside most of the time not letting the others in. Big guy as I call him (since he is at least twice as large as the others) now will let the others in. I am concerned with the holes in his fin, the rest of his fin is very sharp edged not ragged. Still wondering if it isn't some type of injury. I decided not to remove him since I didn't want to stress him out. Any idea what might be wrong with its fin? I called the local pet store and they said that it is probably fin rot. All the research that we have done; doesn't discribe what we are seeing. I have read all of the replys from my past post and have visited some of the other sites that would let me in to read articals. I thank you for all of your help so far.

Wezzie

what kind of loach is it? is there blood or fungus around the injured spot. Does the area look pink?

They are clown loaches. There is no fungus or redness, other then staying inside which he has always done we can't see anything else wrong with it. It is still very social with the other clowns when they go into the fixture.

Thank you,
Wezzie

Hi Wezzie,

Are there any sharp bits inside that ornament the loaches like to hide in that might have caused a puncture wound? Even though it may unsettle them a little, I think I'd want to check that ornament to be on the safe side (and any others). If it is some sort of rip/tear/puncture, keep up excellent water quality and it should heal. Some people would use Melafix to be on the safe side, but without a picture it is difficult to tell how bad this is. Definitely check the ornament for sharp bits though.

Emma

The fish living inside the ornament is like a cat living in its litterbox. Replace the ornament with a piece of PVC pipe or equivelent that allows 100% flow . Do not let the hidey hole be the lowest spot in your tank.
This is probably caused by the fishes own waste if it is like a fin rot so the water flow should be increased over the fishes body to lessen this risk. Also Pimafix would help this now if it is rot as would Melafix if it is an open wound . Your fish is in danger if it gets in a hole with only one entrance. This of couse is if your gravel/sand is clean and your filters are working correctly. It is a common mistake I learned through experiance. Post a pic for a better idea and answer but low flow = fin rot as does dirty gravel The ornament is of less value than the fish and the ornament is causing this according to your info so it should go either way IMHO.

The fixture has four openings and has its own air line , I suppose I could increace the air valve for a stronger flow. It is on the bottom but I will change that today once I get home from work. I still think that it is an injury and I will file the bottom edges of the fixture to make sure they are smooth. The fixture is set down in the gravel, but when we vacuum the tank we remove it to ensure that we collect all the waste from under it. I will find a flat rock to place under it this afternoon. Thank you for your suggestions.
Wezzie

Yes if there is something sharp that is a major issue.The lowest spot in your tank will collect the crud so raising it up is very smart indeed. Good Luck Wezzie

How long has this hole been in his fin?