Pudgy zebra?

kateswan · Post by **kateswan** » 16 Nov 2007, 16:08

I have a hypancistrus zebra with a fat, round belly and a little pouchy area just above/near the anal area. I can't find any pictures of zebras that are this fat . . . this fish has had the round belly a long time (2 years or more) but I got a close look at this fish on the glass last night, and wondered if there was cause for concern. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 16 Nov 2007, 16:16

Is is possible that it's a gravid female? Do you have a definite male in the tank?

--
Mats

kateswan · Post by **kateswan** » 16 Nov 2007, 17:10

I only have one zebra . . . nowhere else to get a second! Skittle (zebra) lives in a cave next to an albino ancistrus male, and I suspect eats a lot of ancistrus eggs and the occasional ancistrus fry? If it is a girl, and gravid, I wouldn't worry so much -- but as I said, I can't find pictures of a zebra this fat!

Post by **Barbie** » 16 Nov 2007, 17:55

Do you mean it's fatter than that? The male pictured there has been heavier a few times in his life, but that basically shows what he looks like in good condition. The fact that your fish is fat and sassy and healthy like that isn't a cause for alarm, IMO, unless it is discolored or acting stressed.

Barbie

kateswan · Post by **kateswan** » 16 Nov 2007, 18:11

Yes, MUCH fatter. It looks like (s)he's swallowed a shooter marble! His/her scales appear normal, not as if s(h)e's bloated. More like a "santa claus" belly. No discoloration. No change in behavior.

oscar300 · Post by **oscar300** » 23 Nov 2007, 12:26

Sounds greedy, any chance of a picture?