Can we talk about white poop for a minute?

[Oxboy]

Am I right that there are a couple different kinds:

- thin, stringy, tubular, almost translucent white poop
- thicker, mucus-y, ribbon-like white poop (that I'm told contains intestinal lining)?

Is this correct? And I'm guessing this means different ailments?

[Willie]

I don't know that there are two distinct types. What I see are those and many versions in between. In either case, it involves an inflammation of the intestine and the fish will soon stop eating. Metronidazole or dimetronidazole always work as long as the directions are strictly followed. After 5 - 7 days of treatment, the fish won't resume eating immediately because it needs to heal. Feeding usually resumes 10 - 14 days after start of medication.

Good luck, Willie

[Tkuilderd]

White poop can be caused by many things, from a heavy parasite load to nothing more than stress. It could mean a bacterial infection or hexamita.

I have seen people say"if poop looks like x then y is the cause" I dont believe that. Ime I have seen multiple fish with the same issue with poop that looked different.
When I see white poop I generally start with a bit of epsom salt to flush the intestines and if that doesn't clear it up i wait for other symptoms.

Tammy