We’ve all wondered, “How do fish poop?” The scientific term for feces is fecal matter. This by-product of microbial activity and digestion is a major contributor to the carbon cycle. Additionally, it is a useful marker of the diet of your pet. Plant-based flake food will produce different fecal matter than meaty protein-based foods. Fish expel feces through an anal vent, or cloaca. This vent is where all wastes, including urine, leave the body. Occasionally, feces may contain eggs and sperm.

Color

Depending on what you feed your fish, the color of the poop your fish produces will vary. If you feed them green vegetables, your fish poop will be green, and if you feed them red bloodworms, your poop will be red, too. If your fish’s poop is white, they may have an internal infection, and this is the first sign of a problem. The only way to determine if your fish is infected is to check the color of its poop and to change its diet.

Fish poop is generally round and brown in color, but there are some instances where it will be whitish or stringy. If the poop is not round and doesn’t fall right after expulsion, it could be a sign of constipation or a bad diet. If the poop is long and stringy, it could be a sign of constipation. Constipation is usually caused by a bad diet, but it can also be due to a tumor or a blockage in the fish’s digestive tract. If you notice this, you should investigate the problem as soon as possible.

Volume

It is impossible to measure the carbon stored by the fish themselves, but we can estimate the amount of fish poop produced by a single species. This volume of fish excrement could equal 2×109 tonnes of carbon, which is about half that of the atmosphere. This would mean that fish poop plays a major role in climate change mitigation. Many fish species have evolved to produce more efficient poo. And these pooping animals are carrying carbon from the surface to the deep ocean.

As fish poop consists of a combination of undigested food waste, salt extracts, bacteria, and other compounds, the volume of this excreta is usually visible. Depending on the type of food the fish is eating, fish excretion may vary in color. For example, bloodworms and peas are believed to help alleviate constipation. Fish feed also contains bloodworms and bacteria, making it easier to detect the volume of fish poop.

Texture

The texture of fish poop can indicate constipation in your pet. If the poop is sticky and stinky, then your fish is suffering from constipation. If you notice this, you need to take action right away. Constipated fish will be unable to enjoy their environment as much. To prevent constipation in your pet, you should try to feed them only once or twice a day. You may feed them more often if they have voracious appetites, but make sure that you follow the feeding instructions of your fish expert.

The texture of fish poop is visible to the human eye. It is generally round, brownish or sometimes different colors, depending on what they’ve been fed. If the poop is not segmented, then it’s nothing to worry about. However, if the poop looks segmented, then you need to be cautious. Moreover, the stringy hanging whitish poop is a sign of constipation or overfeeding.

Smell

The smell of fish poop is usually an unpleasant one and is often caused by certain bacteria. Typically, fish poop is a solid, slimy, sticky substance that is between 0.6 and 1.5mm in size. Scientists have studied the normal size of fish poop and found that it can vary from a mild smell to an overwhelming one. However, this smell does not necessarily mean the fish is sick.

The color and consistency of fish poop can indicate various health conditions. A fish with a poor diet will produce long, stringy poop that will not float immediately. Instead, it will cling to the fish’s body and trail after it. Usually, poop is brown or black in color, but if the poop is white, this means it is caused by bacteria in the digestive tract. If you notice this, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Causes

A variety of factors may cause your discus to have white feces. Infections, parasites, and intestinal blockages are all potential causes. If you notice your fish producing a white fecal cast, consider changing its diet to a high-quality fish food. Additionally, parasitic infections may be the cause, but these are rare. It may be time to try an alternative treatment such as fish antibiotics.

Overfeeding your fish is another potential reason for the clumpy poop. Fish must digest their food for several days before they can expel it. They can only expel waste when it is finished digesting. If you feed your fish a highly-complex diet, it may take several days for the waste to be fully discarded. Wild fish poop will float on the currents and settle to the bottom, where it will be broken down and eaten by microorganisms.