17 year old pleco swollen belly

[Millstream30]

Hi,

There were a few changes before Christmas: We purchased plants and a few new fish a couple of months ago. Also, a few days ago he ate some zucchini with some small seeds in (we’ve usually cut the seeds out). His belly is extremely swollen.

[Autumnsky]

Does he have wood to rasp on?

[Millstream30]

No wood in the tank. He is in very bad shape this morning, he’s upside down unless stimulated to move :’(

[Millstream30]

He has passed on.

[Autumnsky]

Oh no. I am sorry to hear this. Fish end up like part of our family. We love them and will miss them, especially when they've been with us so long.

Most Plecos need to eat wood which helps with digestion.

[Millstream30]

Thank you.. it’s the longest we’ve ever had any pet. Sad to see him go.

[Autumnsky]

That is a huge amount of time for a pet. Very sad when it happens. Realize there is some sort of grieving time usually.

Do you have other fish as well?

A big pwc is usually done after a death. Do you do any water testing? If so what are the water parameters?

[Millstream30]

This tank contains 4 Danios and 3 Mollies. No testing done yet, everyone appears healthy and active thus far.

When we took out the pleco, we could see traces of blood coming from just about everywhere so I suspect a blockage of some sort, then a rupture.

[Autumnsky]

Most Plecos need to rasp wood for digestion. Important info if you ever get a new guy.

Check out the water parameters, make sure all the other fish are okay. Hoping all the rest of the fish are doing well.