Swollen bellies and long pale strings of fecal matter?

Question

I have a number of platy fry in a 10 gal tank. Some appear to have swollen bellies with long pale strings of fecal matter. There doesn't appear to be any other signs of infection: no protruding scales, no pop eye, no ulcers nor reddish areas.
The tank is well maintained with weekly water changes. The tank has been set up more than a year. The water quality is fine. And, there are no other fish in this tank.
Any thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Well, white stringy feces can be a sign of fish TB, but I think it's more likely that your fish has an internal parasite. Aoctozin is an effective treatment for most internal parasites (but frankly any medicated food should work) - Although if it has spironucleus, you may need to go with a stronger anti-biotic like mitronidazol.

Answer 2

This is completely normal. The swollen bellies could just be fecal matter yet to come out, or is it possible it could pregnant?
The pale fecal matter is completely normal.
I would not worry.
If your fish starts to swim funny or darts franticaly, it is sick.
most likely they are over eating. ALSO, if you have pebbles at the bottom of the tank, they could have digested one. If you watch fish eat, they occasionaly will suck up a rock and spit it back out. it is possible your fish has ingested one.

Answer 3

Fed too much maybe.

Is the fecal matter the same colour as the food? If so you're feeding them too much.

If not it could be intesinal blockages. They need more fibre.

Try cliping some romaine lettuce (not bad nutrition) in for them to nibble on.

Answer 4

Zoe is correct (of course) it could well be an internal parasite. But you should also check the foods you are feeding. A very protein rich, fatty diet can also cause this. If you are feeding a lot of frozen foods for example.

MM