African Butterfly Fish Emergency Help!

[plasticglasses]

I just purchased an african butterfly fish from a GREAT fish store (Big Al's). They said the fish was completely healthy however in the store it was being kept in a tank full of VERY large pink kissers and was hanging out by there intake for there filter. I acclimated and added it to a 20 gallon tank by itself because I found out it would be aggressive towards some of the fish in my community tank. After putting it in the tank it hasn't moved much at all and it was feeding time for my other fish so i added a couple blood worms to the tank, still no movement. And i just noticed the top of the fish has now lost color on its scales, which wasn't there before, and i added stress zyme and checked my water before adding him, could this be caused by the stress of moving? is there anything i can do to help, or prevent infection? how long untill it clears up? I have a picture of his back i will email to you for help

 

[Gill]

Its probably just the stress of moving, The are Picky Eaters - Try Bloodworm with tweezers next to his mouth, or Mealworms/Moths. Food needs to Pass an ABF's Mouth for it to react

What other fish are in with it. I hope no Fish under an Inch, t other Small Surface Dwellers.

Think of a Mini Arrowana and yo have an ABF.

HTH

 

[CFC]

Are we talking about the African butterfly Cichlid

or the African butterfly fish

?

 

[freddyk]

These types of cichlids in general (assuming it's the cichlid) lose their color under stress. A lot of people even bypass beautiful fish in the store because they're showing no color in the fish store tank. If it's simply a matter of faded color, don't worry. Make sure the tank is set up to suit the fish and have some patience - he'll get used to the environment. Of course, you'll never see him as colorful as he would get courting a mate. If he's got clamped fins or if he's breathing really heavy are showing other signs of major stress then I'd say there's more cause for immediate concern.