Does My Pleco Have Dropsey?

[GoldfishAttentionSpan]

I am worried about my BN pleco. He has been in my 10 gallon tank waiting for me to set up my 26 gallon, but it looks like it will be awhile, so I put him in my dad's lightly stocked 30 gallon.

In the 10 gallon tank, he always stayed under a piece of slate, and never ever came out. I tried giving him algae tablets, but he wouldn't come out from the rock, even to eat. My dad's 30 gallon has pleanty of algae, so he should have a feast.

When I first flip the rock over, it always looks like he has a big red/white spot on his back. Once he settles down, it goes away. I noticed that when I put him in my dads tank, it looks like his scales on his sides might be sticking out?! I know that means dropsey, but I am hoping maybe its just pleco's scales looking different from other fish?? Honestly I don't know if he has always looked like that- he always hides.

Anyway, could I maybe see some pictures of a BN without dropsey compared to one with dropsey?

I am in the USA, and my 5 gal quarantine/hospital tank is currently occupied, but I am thinking about moving them into the 30 gallon and putting Mr. BN in the hospital tank to medicate if need be, but isn't dorpsey fatal even if its treated?

I'm so sad- I love my little BN guy.

 

[andyw823]

Does sound like dropsy, is it very fat looking?

Here is my female.

 

[cheesy feet]

If you could post a bird-seye view it would be very hepful ,to see the scales.I don't really know what you mean about the big red/white spots on his back but if you see them again i would try and treat the aquarium with something like methylene blue.