My chichlid is staying to the top of the tank most of the times , sort of on its side , but then will go down to normal every once in a while. Whats wrong with it?
2007-07-30 09:46:33 · 12 answers · asked by O Kongeriket 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Oi its not DEAD , it is swimming around fine , but then it will go up to the surface.
Then come down and repeat.
2007-07-30 10:17:09 · update #1
I also just did a 25% water change , the water is good
2007-07-30 10:17:58 · update #2
That could be a swim bladder problem, but it could also be that you have ammonia or nitrite in the water. You might be able to tell these apart by the swimming behavior.
Does the fish seem to have to struggle to swim downward, then "float" back to the surface? Does it tend to have more of a "head down" position? Does it still try to eat? This would be more of a sign of a swim bladder problem.
When the fish swims, does it do so easily, but erratically, "wobbling" or "spinning: as it swims? Does it seem to gasp for air, or have rapid gill movement? This would be more of a water quality problem.
I'd start by suggesting a partial water change for either condition - about 25% of the tank volume, and add water that's about the same temperature as what the tank is now (remember to add dechlorinator). If the problem is a buildup of ammonia or nitrite, this may be all that's needed. If this seems to be more of a swim bladder problem, see if the fish will eat a piece of a cooked green pea with the skin removed. If this doesn't solve the problem, it may have an internal infection and need a medicated food or broad-spectrum antibiotic (available at your pet store).
2007-07-30 10:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
These symptoms sound like swim-bladder problems and indeed this is the most common cause of loss of equilibrium. The swim-bladder is an air-filled sac laying just under the backbone at the top of the abdominal cavity. By inflating / deflating the swim-bladder, the fish can adjust its position in the water and maintain neutral buoyancy.
The swim-bladder can be affected by bacterial or viral diseases. In addition the swim-bladder may malfunction, leading to over or under inflation. Clearly anything which affects the proper functioning of the swim-bladder will also affect the fish's equilibrium.
However, before diagnosing all equilibrium problems as swim-bladder disease, we should be aware that there are other conditions which can cause buoyancy problems. Disease in other organs such as kidneys and intestines for example can also cause problems. This can happen if there is any swelling of the affected organs leading to either a change in organ density or pressure being put on the swim-bladder. This is often a problem with fancy goldfish whose abdominal cavity is tightly packed.
Treatment is difficult, mainly because it is virtually impossible to diagnose the cause and secondly there are only a few conditions that will respond to treatment. It is always worth considering a course of antibiotic injections in case a bacterial infection is involved. An attempt should be made to see whether the fish is defecating, in case the problem is being caused by an intestinal blockage. If this is suspected it is worth either trying to feed the fish a few frozen peas, which act as a laxative, or else try baths in Epsom salts (70g / litre for 5 minutes) which has the same effect.
If these treatments do not work, there is little else that can be done. There is some work being carried out on exploratory surgery, but there are very few veterinarians undertaking this "cutting edge" procedure.
There are a few reports of fish recovering from balance problems, so it is worth giving the fish some time. One report suggested "wedging" the fish upright between two objects was helpful. If there is no sign of recovery after 7-10 days, the kindest thing is to euthanase the fish.
~ZTM
2007-07-30 18:33:28 · answer #2 · answered by ZooTycoonMaster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a swim bladder infection. What is the condition of the water? Is it overly warm? Has it been partially changed in a good while? What about ammonia levels? Are there any other fish in there with it? If so, how are they doing?
Like others are saying, it could be dying.
2007-07-30 16:54:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
he may be having a little swim bladder problem look to see if he floats up when he stops swimming. if he just swims up there hes just probably liking that spot. cichlids are hearty fish and can survive most problems a normal fish would die from. monitor its behavior and look to see if anything else seems off about him.
2007-07-30 18:22:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea everybody seems to know but swimming bladder or some kind of infection is causing your fish to get sick and act ackward..my guess is that 75 percent your will not be alive soon
sorry
2007-08-01 20:11:01 · answer #5 · answered by charlie lakeo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might have an upset stomach, what is the water like? If he is having a hard time breathing in it. He may be going to surface to get air. Ans he is bloated.. Is he eating well? Good luck
2007-07-30 16:51:41 · answer #6 · answered by debbie p 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if its not dead its about to die, sorry
when fish are about to die they act akward, swim to the top, and float around then start swimming again. its getting ready to die especially if its hiding
2007-07-30 19:25:58 · answer #7 · answered by DC 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My goldfish always did that, we always thought it was dead! Then when it did die it was at the bottom of the tank.
It can be that it's bloated or something?
2007-07-30 16:50:46 · answer #8 · answered by Always Confused 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
thats what mine looked like when it died. it might be sick or somthing take to vet.
2007-07-30 16:50:26 · answer #9 · answered by Brad E 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
hate to tell u but it's dying.
2007-07-30 17:03:41 · answer #10 · answered by Gone 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋