Chinese algae eater bloated and red.

[Jason F]

My 36g bow front has more or less become my kid's tank that I still maintain. We have two Chinese algae eaters in there and while one looks completely normal the other doesn't and has been this way for a couple weeks. It's bloated with a reddish color overall and you can see red blood vessels near the surface. I figured he was gonna be a goner a while ago but he's still acting fine. Any idea what's wrong with him?

[brewmaster15]

My 36g bow front has more or less become my kid's tank that I still maintain. We have two Chinese algae eaters in there and while one looks completely normal the other doesn't and has been this way for a couple weeks. It's bloated with a reddish color overall and you can see red blood vessels near the surface. I figured he was gonna be a goner a while ago but he's still acting fine. Any idea what's wrong with him?

Internal bacterial infection,blockage, or tumor are all possible... If its been long term (couple of weeks) like this, I'm not sure anything you do do will affect the situation. I wish I could offer better Jason, but honestly the outlook is not good.

al

[Jason F]

How long could it possibly live like this, its already been much longer than I thought it would make it? Non of the other fish have any problems, should I remove it or just leave him alone?

[brewmaster15]

How long could it possibly live like this, its already been much longer than I thought it would make it? Non of the other fish have any problems, should I remove it or just leave him alone?

If its bacterial, its possible it can spread. I've seen fish hang on for weeks. I'd remove it.

hth,
al