Ralph,
Fish that suffer from digenetic Trematodes, Metacercaria (larvae) or Nematodes (roundworms) will exhibit rapid weight loss and never really appear to be gain any weight even when they are eating very well. This can normally be overcome with the use of a de-wormer such as Praziquantel administered directly to the food at a rate of 250mg/100 grams of food for 7-10 days.
I rather doubt the fish was suffering from digenetic worms, as the opposite condition would show in the form of rapid weight loss. Additionally Prazi would take almost a week to have an affect on any internal digenetic problems, and would need to be administered directly to the food.
I would suggest taking a look at the foods you are feeding, and try and feed small quantities of food several times per day. High quality enriched mysis should consist of the main part of the fishes diet. Feeding dry food is good as well as a supplemental diet, but please keep in mind that dry pelletized food when fed as a primary diet in large quantities can sometimes cause this condition where the food expands a bit when saturated.
It appears your fish was either gorging itself on a larger crustacean, or even numerous copepods, or was suffering from some digestive complication or blockage that fortunately, worked itself out.
Cheers,
__________________
Kevin Kohen
Director of LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith
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Last edited by DFS on 07/27/2009 at 10:32 AM
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