Loaches Online Forum

I have 4 skunks, one is either pregnant or has a belly tumor? Her belly is totally different than the other 3. It also seems to be getting darker and bigger. I really don't know if she is pregnant but wanted to see if I should do something, husband wants to move her to another tank, but I think it's best to leave her alone. Do they lay eggs or live. After doing some research I see that these usually do not breed, so I really can't imagine that mine is pregnant but there is something going on in her belly. She's not sick, not acting different.

When I fist bought them they used to make a clicking noise - they no longer do that. Not that it is important but I would like to know why.

I've had no problem with them being mean to any of the other fish. They are with 4 yoyo loaches, guppies, mollies, swords and angels. They have plenty of places to hide but will come out when they see you.

Would be glad to get any advice.

Hi setmefree, welcome to Loaches.
Many species of Loaches will swell up with eggs, but breeding seems not to happen too often. Eggs are usually symmetrical, and the swelling is in the abdomen.
Fish can also get tumors. These are usually slower growing. Tumors can grow anywhere, and are not usually symmetrical. As long as the fish is doing OK leave him/her with the school. When s/he starts having problems you might consider euthanasia. A tumor in the abdomen can start pushing on the internal organs.
Constipation can show as a local swelling, but the fish is usually less active and won't eat. You can try adding some roughage to their diet such as peas and daphnia. You could isolate this fish and add Epsom salt to the quarantine tank.
Intestinal parasites might show as a swelling.
Dropsy can show up as abdominal swelling or as all over swelling. In a scaled fish this would show the 'pinecone' effect of the scales sticking out.

Interesting that yours are behaving well. I could not keep them, they were harassing the other fish too much.

What is the longest pregnancy for human being? Just wanted to know the about the woman out there that had the longest pregnancy. Longest labor would be cool to know as well.
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