Cichlids Are Dropping Like Flies.

[dthoffsett]

Attached is a topic I started in the African cichlid section. However, since another fish has died in the last half hour and the others are looking too good I need some quick advice. Any suggestions as to what I can do?

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=149456

 

[WILDER]

If the poo is brown it's not internal parasites, what do you feed the fish, have they darkened in colour as it sounds like a bacterial infection, they can rapid breath with it.
No flicking and rubbing on objects, can the fish maintain there balance in the water, no tipping up.

 

[dthoffsett]

Poo hasn't darkened. I feed them New Life Spectrum as a staple, supplemented with fresh veggies (lettuce, peas, zucchini. No flicking. Not all of them have a balance problem, the are a couple swiming at the top of the tank, just breathing fast. The rest are at the bottom, propped against rocks or the tank wall, seem to fall over if not.

 

[WILDER]

It sounds like a bacterial infection, check the gills to see if they look red and inflamed.

http/www.petsforum.com/cis-fishnet/afm/G29060.htm

Look under sitting on the bottom.
http/www.goldfishinfo.com/ailment2.htm#sitonbottom

Here a fluke article for you as well.
http/article.dphnet.com/cat-02/flukes1.shtml

 

[dthoffsett]

Pretty positive it isn't flukes.

But this sounds spot on: The third type of infection produced by Aeromonas is by no means the least. This form is often the most virulent (potent) and can be rapidly fatal. This insidious form does not produce any noticeable external ulcers. The most notable feature is a behavioral change in which the infected fish generally become listless and lethargic. Some fish may lose color or appear darker. The fish do not feed, frequently seem off balance and may sink to the bottom laying on their sides. The course of the disease is rapid, and by the time the behavioral changes are noticed, the entire population of a tank may succumb, sometimes in a day or so. This is an internal infection, with the bacteria being found in the kidneys and blood of these fish. The bacteria produce potent toxins that account for the severity of the disease.

Doesn't sound like there is much hope, does it.

 

[WILDER]

Do you have maracyn one and two, tetracycline would be better but it would wipe the bacteria out in your filter.

Tetracycline
Manufacturer: Aquatronics
A broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacterial infections. For infections of fin and tail rot, frayed fins, popeye, inflamed gills, mouth and body open sores/ulcers, livebearer disease, dropsy, Columnaris, and secondary infections such as fungal. Specific for livebearers and goldfish. Aerate the aquarium well when using. Useful for the control of some common bacterial diseases, including Aeromonias and Pseudomonas Genera and the Mysobacterial group.




Not to panic just to make sure.
http/article.dphnet.com/cat-02/plaque.shtml

Sorry forget that thought it was discus.