Does anyone have any idea whats going on with my convict??

It used to boss the tank, it had a hiding place that it guarded and warned any other fish from, however over the last 5 - 6 days ive noticed it seems to have put a fair bit of weight on in the stomache area and it no longer stays in its territory, instead now its stayong behind a plant near the filter. It doesnt seem to be feeding and it avoids all other fish in the tank.

What do you reckon is the problem??, is it ill??

Many thanks.

Does he look bloated.
Does the fish scales stick out.
What having you been feeding your fish.

It definately looks bloated, its scales look normal and i am feeding them a mixture of

king british cichlid flake and
cichlid pelets.

It apears to be swimming near the filter all the time.

To many dread foods need a more varied diet.
I would say try some peas but he's not eating.
I wouldn't feed him for a a day or two.
Some members try bacterial meds, but I would only advise it in issolation.
Is he going to the toilet, if so what does it look like.

This post has been edited by Wilder: Mar 9 2008, 09:17 PM

I will try not to feed him/her for a day and see how he/she goes on. Not noticed any toilet action as it hides behind a plant now and very difficult to see it.

many thanks

Fish can bloat up if they have constipation.
Peas usually helps them to go the toilet, it's a laxative.
Good luck.

Well today ive noticed that its scales are a little rough compared to the other fish. Its been alot more active today but has been getting attacked by other fish without defending itself, its been swimming into the glass and the rocks. I feel it may be on its last legs but ive found a clear container and seperated the fish in the tank from others to see how it goes. I tried giving it peas but its only young, about 2 inch long so the peas are a little big for it.

Poor thing!!

What do you mean when you say the scales look rough?
You cook frozen peas for a few minutes, let cool down, pop out of shell, mush between fingers into small bits, and add to the tank.
I would remove the uneaten peas.

They appear to stick out. The other convicts have smooth scales but this one has them sticking out slightly. Strange

The fish has dropsy once scales stick out organ failure, they don't generally make it once scales stick out.
Good that you have issolated him as if he died in the tank and the fish peck at the body dropsy can pass on this way.

Well thats bad news!!, really appreciate all your advice with this, thanks again.

http://www.fishjunkies.com/Diseases/dropsy.php