Help with my fish?

Question

I have a 20 gallon tank with fish in it. One fish seems to be pretty sick. For the past couple weeks it has just been resting on the bottom or on one of the rock formations we have for it. The only time it swims is when moving from spot to spot or when it tries to get food, but it usually just waits for the food to sink down. I've noticed that within the past week it's belly is starting to form to the rocks...like it dips in where it rests...anyone have any ideas?

it's a platie

Answer 1

Treat the entire tank with an antibiotic. You can buy these from petsmart and every great once in a while walmart. I would use tetracycline and triple sulfa. Dose according to manufacturer's directions. If he is not better after treatement and he shows no signs of a fungal or parasite infection then it may just be old age. If he is sick however the whole tank may catch it if you do not take precautions and treat everyone.
You'll have to post additional details if you suspect a fungal or parasite disease. You can see specks on the fishes skin when it is a parasite and white patches if it is fungal. Good luck!

Oh and please please please do not just flush him! He could make a recovery! Besides you need to treat the whole tank anway since he was in there so don't stress him out by moving him. Treat him! It isn't fair to him that he might get flushed. I am treating a fish right now that everyone thought I should flush because he was on the verge of death. I am treating him and he is slowly getting better. Give your fish a chance! Please! If you need anymore advice feel free to hit the following forum, tell them Charis sent you:
http://www.forumsvibe.com/betta/index.php?mforum=betta

Answer 2

Swimbladder is a disease which symptoms cause fish to become unable to swim correctly, your fish may exibit swimming toward the bottom of your tank or bowl, then floating back up, swimming in circles or laying or floating on his side....
There are three main things according to the posts and articles I've read that can lead to swimbladder disease.
Constipation due to overfeeding
Bad water quality
Bacteria
I recommend the following regimine, recommened to me over two years ago.

First, as soon as you notice signs of swimbladder do a 30%water change, taking care not to stress the fish by having the water temp as close to his bowl as possible.
After your water change you should not feed your fish any food for two days. On the third day feed your fish a fresh pea. Frozen peas thawed, popped out of the skin, and cut into bite size pieces. And then do another water change so that any uneaten peas do not contaminate your water.
If you don't use aquarium salt this is a good addition to most tanks. The recommended dose is one teaspoon per gallon, or one tablespoon per five gallons. If you have never added salt and you are unsure; you may want to first acclimate him at only 1/2 tsp per gallon.
A

Answer 3

I would do a water change. I would continue doing water changes everyday for a week or so. I would also change the filter cartigages with new activated charcoal.

I would also add some aquarium salt to your tank if all you have is platies. (Algea eaters are sensitive to salt, so don't add much if you have those.)

Answer 4

Take the fish out and get rid of it. A sick fish will contaminate the entire tank.

Answer 5

It is sick and may die. It probably has a problem with its swim bladder and the reason it sits on the bottom.

Answer 6

Pregnant? Lazy?

Answer 7

I'd remove the fish, because if it dies the other fish will eat.

Answer 8

it might have some kid of disease so you might want to remove it if it is together with other fish because they might catch it