mindwarpstudios
New Member
I went away for just under a week (all feeding was pre-measured and delivered on schedule by the caregiver) and this is what I came back to:
Water Stats Normal:
Nitrate 20ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Ammonia 0ppm
35% Water Change performed on day of return (similar WC done the day before I left).
All inhabitants behaving normally (neons schoaling; otos, amano and nerites cleaning 24/7) except for one of my Cockatoo Cichlids.
I was under the impression that the one in question is a Male (definite Cockatoo plume to the dorsal fin, dark tips to pectorals and leading edge of dorsal fin, though none of the "leopard style" mottling to the fins otherwise that I have come to expect... but that's one reason why he was chosen). I am open to correction based upon the photos...
I have one other Cockatoo in the tank who is almost completely yellow (very minor mottling to one section of the tail, darkening of the tips of the pectorals and leading edge of the dorsal fin, and a single faint spot directly in the middle of each of the flanks), this was agreed to be a Female at the time of purchase and is behaving completely normally and swimming/eating/pooping well.
The one in question is settled just above the bottom of the gravel, using its various lower fins to gently support itself. It seems to swim gently between two different hiding spots: in a cavity in the underside of a tank ornament, in a coconut cave; luckily, there was a little time spent today in the hollow of a piece of driftwood that afforded the photos you see below.
It hangs out without moving excessively, watches the other fish, and breathes a little faster than I would expect. The most peculiar aspect to her behavior is the fact that while the fish is constantly "chewing," it rarely actually closes its mouth. In fact, I would describe the action as more of an opening and relaxing (vs. actually chewing).
From my observations over the past three days, there is absolutely no swelling of the body/eyes, clouding of the eyes, fuzz, white spotting (small or large), apparent skin lesions, fin damage, scale damage, loss of balance...
I have did an additional 20% WC yesterday and have one planned for tomorrow. Additionally, I have already put a touch of salt into the aquarium and held back feedings in case this is a form of bloat.
I have attached photos to aid and my specific questions are at the bottom...
Is it possible that my He is actually a She (and the other She is in fact a He), and She's turning eggs in her mouth?
Is it possible that He has something stuck in his mouth? ...For this long?
Can any experienced Cockatoo keepers give me any other queues to look for in case it could be something that a "wait-and-see" approach would make worse?
Water Stats Normal:
Nitrate 20ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Ammonia 0ppm
35% Water Change performed on day of return (similar WC done the day before I left).
All inhabitants behaving normally (neons schoaling; otos, amano and nerites cleaning 24/7) except for one of my Cockatoo Cichlids.
I was under the impression that the one in question is a Male (definite Cockatoo plume to the dorsal fin, dark tips to pectorals and leading edge of dorsal fin, though none of the "leopard style" mottling to the fins otherwise that I have come to expect... but that's one reason why he was chosen). I am open to correction based upon the photos...
I have one other Cockatoo in the tank who is almost completely yellow (very minor mottling to one section of the tail, darkening of the tips of the pectorals and leading edge of the dorsal fin, and a single faint spot directly in the middle of each of the flanks), this was agreed to be a Female at the time of purchase and is behaving completely normally and swimming/eating/pooping well.
The one in question is settled just above the bottom of the gravel, using its various lower fins to gently support itself. It seems to swim gently between two different hiding spots: in a cavity in the underside of a tank ornament, in a coconut cave; luckily, there was a little time spent today in the hollow of a piece of driftwood that afforded the photos you see below.
It hangs out without moving excessively, watches the other fish, and breathes a little faster than I would expect. The most peculiar aspect to her behavior is the fact that while the fish is constantly "chewing," it rarely actually closes its mouth. In fact, I would describe the action as more of an opening and relaxing (vs. actually chewing).
From my observations over the past three days, there is absolutely no swelling of the body/eyes, clouding of the eyes, fuzz, white spotting (small or large), apparent skin lesions, fin damage, scale damage, loss of balance...
I have did an additional 20% WC yesterday and have one planned for tomorrow. Additionally, I have already put a touch of salt into the aquarium and held back feedings in case this is a form of bloat.
I have attached photos to aid and my specific questions are at the bottom...
Is it possible that my He is actually a She (and the other She is in fact a He), and She's turning eggs in her mouth?
Is it possible that He has something stuck in his mouth? ...For this long?
Can any experienced Cockatoo keepers give me any other queues to look for in case it could be something that a "wait-and-see" approach would make worse?
