Skinny ACF-male

[Felis]

Hi,

I got another ACF about three weeks ago. In his old life, he served as a laboratory animal (meaning that he was injected with hormones for egg collection). He is about two years old and a wild-type male.
His behaviour is absolutely normal- he swims, rests and eats just as my other ACFs. He is still in a quarantine tank (about 13 gallons, filtered, heated to ~ 20°C, planted). But although he is very well fed for an adult (5-6 times/week with earthworms, crickets, pellets, wet frozen foods- all of which he accepts readily), he appears quite skinny to me. Other than this, he seems to be healthy- no discolourations, no restlesness, nothing. Does anyone have an idea what could cause his condition? Parasites, bacterial infections? Or can it be possible that some males just stay quite slim? I don´t want to put my other ACFs in any risk by adding a potentially sick frog. Thanks in advance!

1. Tank Size and volume of water in it (full, 1/2 filled, etc.)? 13 gallons (60X30X30 cm), filled with about 10 gallons of water

2. Number of inhabitants including all frogs and any fish? 1/ no cohabitants except for some snails

3. Water source and any conditioner treatments? Tap/ no treatment (not necessary in Germany; I don´t use water conditioners in any tank. No chlorine/ chloramine or heavy metals detectable)

4. Water Temperature and how is it heated (if so)? About 20°C, heater

5. Water chemistry levels: pH; Ammonia (NH3); Nitrites (NO2); Nitrates (NO3)? Note that if you do not have test kits, most aquariums/pet shops will do complimentary tests if you take a clean water sample. pH 7, NO2 nn, NO3 < 15 mg/l

6. Describe any filter system including model and media?[/COLOR] Air-driven sponge-filter rated for up to 80l, gentle flow. I use similar systems in all of my frog tanks.

7. Substrate type? Fine sand

8. Tank set-up (plants (live or artificial), driftwood, hide outs and other decor? - How were things prepared prior to being put into the tank? Live plants taken from my healthy ACF-tank, one hole

9. Main frog staple food and any treats? How often you feed? Mainly fed on earthworms; crickets, pellets produced for Axolotls, wet frozen foods (black mosquito larvae, glassworms, brine shrimps) 5-6 times/week. Before, he was fed on cichlid pellets 3 times/week.

10. CA, vitamins, and any other additives used (how often)? none

11. Lighting set-up and hours it's used? 15w, 10 hours/day

12. When is the last time frog ate? Today

13. Have you found poop lately? Yes

14. A picture would be helpful including frog and tank (any including cell phone pics are fine). I´ll try to upload a better pic tomorrow- here, the problem doesn´t become evident I think.

15. Describe frog's symptoms and/or recent physical changes; to include it's ventral/belly area. Doesn´t gain weight; belly line is slightly concave

16. How old is the frog? 2 years

17. How long have you owned him/her? 3 weeks

18. Is the frog wild caught or captive bred? captive bred

19. Any medications in the water (treatment doses and for how long)? No

20. Any salt in water (how much)? No

21. Is the tank kept in a high or low traffic area? Low traffic area

22. Describe tank maintenance to include water changes, cleaning, media changes, etc.). Water is tested daily for NO2, water changes about 1/3 weekly

[rodsboys]

I don't think he looks skinny in the pic. Both of my males are chow hounds, but compared to my females they just don't hold the same amount of fat. I say if he is eating regularly and is not emaciated, he is probably just fine.

[Felis]

Hi,

thanks for your reply. I also think he looks quite ok in the pic (I didn´t manage to get a better one yet), but in comparison to my other male, which also is a lot slighter in build than my females, he still looks thin. I think I´ll have a fecal examination done just to make sure that he doesn´t have any parasites.

[Felis]

Ok, here are new pics:

[rodsboys]

I can see your concern. Does his belly plump up at all after a meal?

[Felis]

Yes, but only where his stomach is located. He just doesn´t seem to build up fat...

[Felis]

Hi,

update: I have had him tested for parasites, chytrid and mycobacteria. Luckily, all results were negative However, ubiquitous bacteria were found (Pseudomonas and Aeromonas), but most likely, he is fine despite being skinny. Unless he stops eating or shows other symptoms, he doesn´t require a treatment