[2tropicalfishies]

We have a Dwarf Emerald Gourami which we have had for about 4 months. We went away for a week and a friend was feeding our fish. When we got back we noticed a day after returning that the Gourami had a blood red marking on his side lower body (near front), a red blotch in his eye and a brownish marking around his mouth and what appeared to be skin hanging down or something skin like coming from the sides of his face (mouth area). It now appears he has what appears to look like whitish blotches. He is in a good temperment and is eating normally. The tank is in a 63 litre tank, with about 15 other fish/bottom feeders; all of which get along well. All our levels are normal and Ph is 7 with a temperature of 27 degrees. Upon seeing our gourami we thought it was a parasite or bacteria so we put in 4ml of Melafix. The subsequent day we have put in some steralzin.

I have put this question up previously with no feedback. We are really worried about our fish and would welcome any input regarding what could be wrong with the fish (is it simply stress) and what we could do to help it. I don't like to see it suffer and would do anything to help it get better

Please if you can assist us with our query we would be most appreciative.

[Inchworm]

Hi 2tropicalfishies

It sounds like a case of bacterial infection which might have come about due to overfeeding while you were away. Excess food accumulating on the bottom is one of the leading causes of this kind of problem. Gouramis seem to be particularly sensitive to this but keep an eye on your other fish too.

Before you do anything, give your tank a good cleaning with a big water change and thorough vacuuming of the substrate. As a general rule, it's better to lower the temperature to around 75 F. (or 25 C.),if your fish can tolerate that temperature, during treatment and to increase the aeration by adding an airstone if necessary. This will make the conditions less hospitable for the growth of the harmful bacteria. Often clean water and some Melafix will solve the problem, but your fish seems to be in a more serious condition.

Please validate your membership by clicking on the link in the email we sent you. Then add your location to your profile so that members can suggest an appropriate medication that you will be able to buy in your area. If you still don't get the help you need, it would be a good idea to post in the Emergency section or PM a moderator to move this thread there for you.

I hope your fish recovers quickly.

[2tropicalfishies]

Hi Inchworm,

Thank you for your reply. We have done the water change and added some Melafix at 3ml for 63 litres, just under half the dose as we were aware that Gouramis and Dwarf Sucker mouth Catfish are sensitive to this medication. We wanted to query whether we should use Sterazin as well or instead of Melafix?

We are also curious if there is no nitrite or ammonnia in the water and the level of nitrate is low (less than 10)can a fish still get sick?

We have validated our membership and updated our profile.

We will keep you updated.

Thank you again for your help so far.

[Inchworm]

Hi 2tropicalfishies

Living in the US, I'm not familiar with Sterazin, but from what I can see online it's a preparation that will help with parasites. You need something that will treat bacteria. I would use a broad spectrum antiobiotic like tetracycline and in the UK they use Myxazin for it.

I'm not sure of the brands you have available in South Australia, but perhaps one of our other members does. Let me move your thread over to the Emergency section where there might be someone who can suggest a product that you can find.