Does anyone know whats wrong with my fishes and why they all seem to be dying?

Question

Quite a few of my fishes have died over the past month, and they all seem to be doing the same thing before they die. They sink to the bottom of the tank sideways in an arch shape, with their head and tail touching the bottom of the tank, and their bellies slightly higher then the rest of their body, they don’t seem to be moving or eating, but you can still see their gills and mouth moving a bit, then they die after a day. Does anyone know what’s wrong with them and what I can do to stop this?

I've had them for about 4 years now, and there are eight of them in a 5ft wide tank with two filters in and fresh water is used. They do get cleaned regularly and fed once a day with proper food from the pet shop.

Answer 1

What species of fish are these? That may give a clue to your problem.

The enlarged abdomen might be an indication of an internal infection or parasite. If the fish are on the smaller side, look carefully at the anal area and see if you notice a thin, deep red worm (like a thread) sticking out when the fish are at rest. The worms pull back inside when the fish is wimming, so they may need to be still for a while. Here are photos of what to look for: http://www.gaem.it/pubblico/articoli/malattiepesci/camallanus/camallanus03.jpg , http://www.alaquairum.net/imagenes/Camallanus1.jpg

If this is what you notice, this is a parasite called camallanus, and here's an article on treatment: http://www.inkmkr.com/Fish/CamellanusTreatment.pdf I've used this on two outbreaks I had and levamisole is effective, but I suggest two treatments spaced about 4 days apart so any eggs in the tank have a chance to hatch and the new worms killed. You have to get levamisole from a farm supply or vet, though - it's meant to be used with livestock.

What makes me consider this is the shape you mention - one of the characteristic symptoms (especially in small fish like guppies) is that the fish develop some spinal curvature.

Another possibility is that this is fish tuberculosis - this can be treated with kanamycin, but you need to be cautious when working around the tank, because this is something that can potentially spread to humans: http://www.fishpalace.org/Disease.html

Answer 2

Only about 30% of all those answers are correct; the problem could be:
1) Overfeeding
2) The type of fish could be in the tank with another fish that do not get on- for example - guppies should'nt be put in a tank with barbs as they will rip the fins of and then the guppies will just sit at the bottom of the tank like you explained and then die.
3) To much ammonia in the tank - which is Extremley harmful to fish
4) To much nitrite - this would aminly occur if it is a newly set up aquarian
5) Tank needs a clean - make sure you remove about 25% of the water and replace it with clean.( dont forget then to add nutrafin cycle and nutrafin conditioner.)
Also make sure when you clena the filter you clean it in the tank water which you have removed- if you clean it in clean fresh water you will remove all of the good bacteria on the filter and you will have more problems such as; bacterial bloom.
6) Last- dont over clean the tank this is not neccassary this will damage all of the bacterial colonies and then you will put the fish at more risk of death.

These guidlines can be followed no matter what the aqurian, just make sure if it is tropical then you have the temperatur between 24 degrees and 28 degrees- i would reccomomend about 26 degrees.

Surley this answer is a great help !!
And i must deserve the best answer and some points!!

Good luck !!
Danny

Answer 3

All fish die this way no matter the cause. It would be more helpful to know more details such as tank size, number of fish, and fresh water or salt water, and how long the tank has been running. You should always let your tank run 3 days before adding fish. Add only 2 fish at a time. The rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. Stock every other day, with frequent water changes if your amonia levels are to high. Thats what it sounds like you have, high amonia levels. You might have new tank syndrome or have to many fish or not cleaning frequently enough. Get you a water test kit to check your amonia levels and PH levels. Get a book to it helps. If amonia levels are high do a 50% water change every hour until it is within reasonable limits. Get some live bacteria (sells at walmart) and follow the directions on the bottle, these little guys help keep your tank clean. Good luck!

Answer 4

It sounds to me it could be one of two things:

1. IF you added any new fish to the tank right before the problem started, especially from a main stream store like Petco, Petsmart,or Walmart then it is most likely from their tanks. It is a condition most commonly known as ICK. All it takes is one fish that is sick to badly infect the entire tank. What you have to do is wait for all the fish to die, empty the tank of everything and clean and sanitize everything, including the tank, and start all over. There is no cure and is extremely common (through friends and my experience) mostly in Petco and Walmart fish. It is prone to all stores though. If you have recently added new fish, take them back with the receipt and bring the problem to the attention of the store.
OR
2. It could be you just need to change out the water more often and make sure it's PH is balanced because if you don't, the fish are basically drowning in their own excrement. Also very common, especially in first time fish owners. I know it's gross.

Answer 5

Actually sounds like you are putting them into shock, is your water temperature okay or did you add water to the tank(if so thats what cause the water that you add is a different temp making the water in the tank change therefore their bodies go into shock and die) Also depends on their diet I would suggest two feedings a day of regular fish food unless your feeding them blood worm packs then only feed them once.

Answer 6

Not a lot of info to go on here. You said your tank has been up and running for about 4 years. What kind of fish are they? Have you tested your water? What were the readings? Have you added anything new or new fish to the tanK?

It sounds like a water quality issue and without first knowing what your readings were it is difficult to say why your fish in an established tank would die other than poisoning.

Even so much as airfresheners sprayed in the room where the tank is located is enough to kill certain fish. Your biofilter could have stalled creating a high level of ammonia.

The only way to stop the fish from dieing is to first have your water tested. I would suggest investing in a test kit of your own.

Also, check your heater. What you are describing sounds like an electrical problem.

Answer 7

Well im no expert, but if you are using tap water, your ph level might be off .If you go to the pet store look for a water test kit ,that might tell yo ua bit more. Are your fish salt water or ffresh water?remember there is a difference

Answer 8

Ok ..might be the temperature in the tank...in the summer I lose fish...if this is the case put some water in a baggy and freeze it.....Put it in the tank to cool them down..

if this is not the case...check your PH, Ammonia, and nitrate levels....

if this is not the case check for a dead fish in the tank somewhere....or change your filter

Always check for diseases like ich etc..
If you have a diseased fish remove at once and do a water change!!

Hope this helps

Answer 9

Well this sounds to me like water quality problem. How often do you change the water in the tank, and how much of it do you change?

Ideally you want to change about 20% of the tank water weekly.

Answer 10

whenever you add new fish to your tank,do you add a water conditioner in? also do you let them float in the bag,they came in? if not that could be 1 reason,for them dying.they need to adjust to the new water temperature. also test the pH of the water & do a ammonia test as well. try not to let the water from the bag,mix in with your tank water.