Clown Loach Not Active

[DjLeethul]

I recenty purchased two clown loaches to go along with my tropical community tank. All my chemical readings were in the normal range and my tank has been well established. One clown loach is extremely active and often swims with the tiger barbs in the tank. The other hides and finds small areas to hide in the corner of mt tank. I rarely see this one swim around of even flap his fins. His gills seem to be moving fine and not at any rate faster than the other fish. The color on this fish is a little lighter as well, but not extremely noticable. Even when the aquarium light is out, he still hides and does not swim around.

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding my situation or should I be planning on returning him to the petstore? Its been almost a week now and I do not see any other means of stress on him besides the initial transfer.


Thanks

 

[WILDER]

Size of tank in gallons or litres.
How many fish and which type.
Waters stats in ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph.

Does he look thin.
Any signs of flicking and rubbing.
Being pale can be a sign of stress.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.bollmoraakvarieklubb.org/artikl...own%20loach.htm

 

[DjLeethul]

30 US Gallon Tank (will move them later to a larger tank when they get bigger)
pH is at 7.5
ammonia ~ 0.0 -0.02
nitrite ~ 0
nitrate ~ 0

He does look thin compared to the other clown loach. No signs of rubbing or flicking. However, I often lose him in the tank due to his extreme desire to hide (found him inside one of my decorative rocks, swam underneath and inside).

 

[WILDER]

What your tap nitrate reading as it rare to have a nitrate reading of 0.
Water change to get that ammonia reading to 0.
How many other fish are in the 30 gallons.
If he thin he could have in internal parasites.

Taken from the link provided.



Loss of weight or "skinny disease" is also quite common in Clown loaches. Typical symptoms are loss of weight and behaviour known as "knifeback" even though the fish is acting and eating normally. This sickness is more difficult to treat, it comes from a parasite organism (spironucleus) in the intestines of the same type that is thought to cause the so called "discus disease". I have successfully removed this disease from newly imported fish by using Spirohexol from JBL in the form of tablets. I have taken one tablet and crushed it and dissolve it in as little water as possible. I have then used discus granules which have been soaked in the solution. It becomes like a thick porridge after a short time when the food has drawn in the liquid. I then feed this to the sick fishes, after a week it looks like the sickness is gone. For the best possible effect do not feed with any other food. Flagyl (Metronidazole) also helps fight against this sickness but at least here in Sweden it is on prescription and can be a little difficult to come by.



Apart from this Clown loaches are not more susceptible than other fish, the above sickness usually occurs in fish that have been stressed during transport or subjected to other stress factors like cold water or poor aquarium hygiene. Do not buy fish that look emaciated! Well looked after fish are seldom sick. To quote my friend Elisabeth Hallberg; "the best way to avoid sickness is to keep the fish healthy".

 

[WILDER]

There this med.
http/www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail62_45492.php

 

[DjLeethul]

I put him in a "hospital" tank for further observation. He is much more active in it. I'll put some food and leave him in there for about a day before I make a decision

 

[WILDER]

If he's on the thin side he needs treating.
Always best to worm new fish anyway.
Treat the whole tank the meds dosn't harm the fish.
Internal parasites do alot of damage to the organs and brain.