You have a lovely freshwater fish in your tank. It’s bright, lively, and swims around just like the other fish you have. Suddenly, one day, you notice that it’s poop is different. It’s much longer than usual. Maybe there’s an infection, or worse? Is it time for your fish to be transferred to another tank? It’s never easy to tell with fish what is normal and what’s an abnormal behavior. The list of things that could be wrong with your precious finned friend is endless. That’s why it’s best to ask for help from the experts. Here are the top five reasons why your fish’s poop might be long.
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1. They’re Constipated
Try as you might to encourage your aquarium’s fish to empty their bowels, sometimes they just won’t do it. This could be caused by a number of factors, from boredom to anxiety. The most obvious sign of fish constipation is an overly long and bulbous tail. If you suspect that your fish are becoming constipated, it’s time to consider moving them to another tank. This will not only prevent the buildup of dangerous bacteria, but it will also improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
2. They’re Urine-Throwing Dogs
Again, try as you might to encourage your fish to go to the bathroom, accidents sometimes happen. Just like with humans, regular potty training can prevent a lot of bothersome incontinence in pets. With that being said, if you see your fish frequently urinating on themselves or the tank walls, it could be a sign that they’re bored or frustrated. In these cases, it might be best to remove them from the tank and find them another home where they can socialize with other animals.
3. Their Digestive System Isn’t Tuned For Plastic
Plastics are found in everything in modern society. We use them for food storage, packaging, and even vehicle parts. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of this overabundance of plastic is that some fish don’t want to eat it. They consider many plastics to be foreign bodies that could end up in their stomach, causing blockages and potential serious health problems. Because of this, it’s best to keep your fish’s diet as natural as possible and avoid using any type of food or drink containers made of plastic.
4. They Have Poor Taste Buds
Whether by accident or design, many fish are poorly suited for commercial fishing. Their taste buds are designed to detect the taste of real fish rather than the strong smell of the fishing hooks, worms, or other baits used to catch fish for sale. As a result, if you want to feed your fish, you’ll need to look for alternative foods like chicken eggs and adult fish. This can be a challenge, especially if you have a large number of fish.
5. They Have Eating Problems
Many fish are finicky eaters and can be picky about what they will and won’t eat. If you’re feeding your fish, you’ll need to make sure that their diet consists of live food like fish eggs, worms, or crustaceans. If you’re not sure what the best food for your fish is, ask the experts. Just be sure to change your fish’s diet if they start to eat garbage or other non-natural food.
It’s never easy raising and caring for pets, but these five reasons should give you some idea of why your fish’s poop might be long. Remember, fish are finned friends, and just like with humans, sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference between life and death. If you notice any other symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.