Cichlid Has Dropsy?

[sparrow6190]

I have a male cichlid of unknown type that swims along the bottom on the tank in an almost shaking fashion, heavy breathing. The male and female always stayed on the ground in the 20 gallon tank and never did anything but hide really.

In the 100 gallon tank they stay along the ground but female doesn't drag on it, the male seems to be dragging on the ground and swimming eratically, shaking, labored breathing.

It may just be the type of cichlid he is? i'm not sure, they have off white body with red fins and very bright patterns and spots of a blue hue

 

[WILDER]

Don't like the sound of the shaking, can you post water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph.
When you say dropsy is the fish bloated with sticking out scales.

 

[sparrow6190]

no he isn't bloated with sticking out scales, I don't think so at least.

i'm all out of dry tabs...

i did a 25% or so water change yesterday

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like a parasite with the shaking, does the fish look like it been sprinkled it salt, or a dusting of white, yellow or golden colour on them, check the gills to see if they look pale with excess mucas on them, or if they are red and in flamed.

 

[sparrow6190]

he is very pale, maybe it is shock from being put in the tank? i doubt it

Could I quarantine him in a 2.5 gallon for treating him?

I wish I could identify what type of cichlid he is.

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like severe stress with being pale, did you add him to the tank at the right temp and ph.
SHAKES AND SHIMMIES Fish wags and shakes while standing still. Water lacks electrolytes. Use MOLLY BRIGHT or SHIMMY BLOCKS. This is not a disease but a warning that something is lacking in the water used. MOLLY BRIGHT and SHIMMY BLOCKS supply the needed electrolytes

Are the fish darting around.

Darting
Water quality problems, skin parasites, drug side effects, stray voltage in the tank


Water stats would be good if you have them.

 

[sparrow6190]

not shimmies or that shaking, like when he swims his body shakes a bit, no darting, i will go to the store and get test stuff and something for him.

untill then I will turn off the lights and hope it is just stress, though I don't think so.