Bala Shark Looking Bad

[puppyjess123]

Tank: 191 litres
Water stats: Ammonia: 0 Nitrite: 0 Nitrate: 20
Filtration: external fluval 405, internal fluval 4+ and another small filter cycling.
Stock: 2 angels, 3 bala sharks, 4 guppies, platies+swords, gouramis, plecos, cories.
Description: I have isolated him incase of bullies and he has a hollow belly and is hovering around struggling to swim. The other two are looking fine whilst he just hides. I've had him a few days and he has looked fine until today.

Thanks, please help

-Lucy

 

[WILDER]

How many of each fish as your tanks looks overstocked.
Bala sharks need large tanks of 100 gallons.

If the belly sunken in it can mean not feeding enough, the fish is starving, internal parasites, bacterial, fish tb.

Was the tummy sunken in when you bought him.
What does it look like when he goes to the toilet.
Is his anus enlarged or red and inflamed.
Does he swim on his side.
Does he look thin.
is his spine bending.
Any worms prutruding from the anus.

To be honest it's not sounding to good.

 

[puppyjess123]

It says in my profile the amout. At the moment i cant find him but..

Was the tummy sunken in when you bought him. Yes
What does it look like when he goes to the toilet. Dont know, hides to much
Is his anus enlarged or red and inflamed. No
Does he swim on his side. Slightly
Does he look thin. Yes
is his spine bending. No
Any worms prutruding from the anus. No

I treated with medthyene (cant spell) blue whilst i had him then he started to look better so i let him out and i think he might be bad again. If i cant find him soon im guessing he could be dead??

 

[WILDER]

it sounds like he might have internal parasites.
Swim bladder problems can be a sign. Being skinny, sunken belly.

if it does turn out to be internal parasites the whole tank needs treating.

What's your location.

He might be to far gone to save.

 

[puppyjess123]

Just saw him and put in quarintine. He isnt eating and i must say he does swim with real diffuculty. He goes to the side and when he swims up he sinks back down. Doesnt eat either...

My location is err eastbourne in east sussex UK.

 

[WILDER]

It's not sounding to hopeful i;m afraid.
Soak his food in garlic juice to stimulate his appetite.

There this med for internal parasites.

http/www.thegreenmachineaquatics.com/mall/productpage.cfm/Aquatics/_nematol%20001/198936

 

[puppyjess123]

Ok. Thanks a lot

 

[WILDER]

Let me know how he gets on if you don't mind.

 

[puppyjess123]

Sure

 

[puppyjess123]

He is still alive this morning, he swims a lot straighter and easier than yesterday but still not eating. I bribed him with bloodworm, brineshrimp, pellets and flakes but he wasnt interested.

 

[WILDER]

Try soaking his food in garlic juice.

Will you be buying the med?

 

[puppyjess123]

No i already have one which i've been treating with. Its called Anti internal bacteria by Interpet. This one Here

I've done that as well but hes still not interested..

 

[WILDER]

The med is bacterial you need an internal wormer med.

 

[puppyjess123]

Oh, its £13 though. Thats as much as all three fish... Probably cheaper to buy a new fish...

and thats for 10ml!!! woah that would be like two treatments

 

[WILDER]

You purchased the fish as a pet, so you are responsible for it's welfare and health
The cost shouldn't matter.
I had to have some of my cats teeth removed at the vets, due to old age, and that cost a fortune, but I wasn't bothered as I love my cat.

I think the bottle is 51ml.