Dinosaur Bichur

Question
I feel terrible that the issue as escalated as such in regards to my bichur.  He ate a lily bulb that I had place in the gravel and now there is a big lump in his side.  I thought it would digest but it has been a month and the bump is still there.  Along with this issue another one has come up.  I ended up getting some crayfish to feed to my African clawed frogs but now along w/the bump he has red slash marks against the bump w/tissue protruding out of those marks.  My question is if there is anything I can do to help the bichur get the bulb removed or will he just have the bump for the remainder of his existence.  He is only about 2yrs.old right now.  So if you have any ideas on a remedy please let me know or at least a place to give the bichur who can.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

If the red marks are fairly recent, you may want to use an anti-bacterial medication at half dose to prevent an infection. Cuts in fish have a high tendency to get infected.

As long as the bulb isn't causing your Bichir any problems (trouble swimming and moving, etc.), then it should be OK. If there is a fish vet near your area, (very uncommon), then he or she can get the bulb removed through surgery.  Otherwise, I don't think that there's anything you can do. Perhaps feeding him a pea or two to help with digestion may help.

I'm sorry about your fish. Good Luck!