Fish waste problem. Is it serious?

Question
Hello. I have 1 Green Terror and 1 Jack Dempsey in a 55 gallon tank. Both are about 1'5 in long. Little guys (not actually certain on sexes). Anyway the problem is with the Green Terror. He is always pooping. Always. And it's usually a very long string coming out (sorry for the descriptions), like 2 or 3 inches. Some of it red and some of it transparent. Alternatively I never see the Dempsey making waste.

They are both on a diet right now of flakes, shrimp, and the occasional shelled pea. And other than the funny waste he seems to be acting normal, swimming actively, eating like a pig, nothing odd.

Is this something I should worry about? And is it odd that one is always pooping and I never see the other one doing it? Thanks for your help in advance.

Answer
Hi Katherine,
  The fact that a fish is always pooping is not a problem, in fact it is a good thing. BUT, the fact that the poop is stringy and part of it transparent is not good -- that indicates that the fish has intestinal parasites.  You can do a couple of things. You can purchase various medications that might help.  Alternatively, many people try feeding their fish with thawed frozen peas.  This is fine for the fish and the fiber tends to "clean out" the intestine.  In my opinion, it is worth a try.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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