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We got an arabesque pleco about three weeks or so ago.
S(he) attacked algea wafers at first (I know she's not an algea eater) but now she will not eat anything--frozen blood worms, brine shrimp, shrimp pellets, zucchini, bottom feeder wafers. Her stomach is starting to look caved in and we are really concerned that she will starve to death. It's a 55 gallon with pH 7ish, nitrate 5, nitrite 0--weekly water changes and other inhabitants include loaches, tetras, and gouramis. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get her to eat? I will try anything.
TIA
Jen

Jen - it may be best to post this in the bottom feeder section.

Internal Parasites are a possibility and I would recommend Parasite Clear Tank Buddies at full strength. However, there could be some other explanation and before medicating a tank, I would explore them. Behavioral or environmental issues may just have the fish off normal.

This may sound strange, but I've heard people with picky eaters suggesting that you blend a bit of garlic with their food! I was always sceptical about this, but the other day dropped some garlic in my tank and the fish (gold barbs and clown loaches) went nuts for it! Worth a try perhaps?

Thanks guys for all your help.
We tried the garlic method, and it hasn't worked yet, but all the other fish really enjoyed it. It was worth a shot though. I hate to assume it's parasites, but I think I'm running out of time; she is really skinny.
Thanks again
Jen

Since it was reformulated to include Praziquantel - the leading internal parasite chemical - Parasite Clear Tank Buddies is safe for all fish, including scaleless, at full strength, accoring to Jungle. The previous version was not safe at full strength. Therefore, make sure you see the ingredient Praziquantel in the ingredient list in case some lfs owner has old stock. It changed last year and the box looks identical. Only the ingredient list will tell you if you have the lastest version.

The acriflavine in it could affect plants. They put it in there because it is also a highly effective treatment for external flukes and skin infections happen with that.

If the fish doesn't have internal parasites, it could be sick with something else like a bacterial infection. Before you dose parasite clear, try to get a look at the belly for red streaks or blood pin points at the base of the pec fins.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped out with our pleco.
Unfortunately, I didn't catch whatever parasite she had in time. She dies yesterday, which is sad because she was such a spunky fish with loads of attitude. I wish petstores quarantined their fish better before allowing customers to buy them. She could have been saved if I had been more vigilant.
RIP Baby Girl...you'll be missed
Jen

Jen, I'm sorry to hear your pleco died. RIP fishie.

sucks to loss a pleco.

Thats the bad thing about fish, you can't really bring them to vet. You can do your diagnosis through what you may of read in books, or the net, or others help and mostly it is a educated guess.

RIP pleco

but wouldn't zuchinni and other vegtables mess up your water chemistry or it dont have no affect to your water parameters?