Dying Angel Fish

[Kimbre]

Hi. We have had our angel for seven years and she has always been extremely healthy. Thursday night she started swimming upside down and it has progressed to the point that she is lying on her side on the top of the aquarium. I realized on Friday that our heater had quit working and we ran out to purchase another one and before that I did about a 30% water change, adding warm water until we could run to the store for a new heater (It's a 25 gallon). We are still not seeing any improvement in the angel.

She looks like she has something red coming out of the bottom of her; it's kind of sticking out; very small. I just have no idea. I don't know if she is just old or if something else is wrong. No signs of ick. She continues to breath and occasionally will muster up a little energy to swim on her side around the tank for a minute. I fear she is suffering, but I can't bring myself to just kill her!

Any suggestions?

 

[WILDER]

When temp goes down fast it can cause swim bladder problems.
The red is it coming from the anus, does it look like blood or a parasite.

 

[Kimbre]

I don't think it's blood...it just looks like something protruding. Is there anything I can do?

 

[WILDER]

Is it long and thin but red it sound like internal parasites if it coming from the anus.

 

[Kimbre]

So, if that is the case, what can I do? I've never encountered a problem with this fish, and the angel is the only fish I've had for years as she killed all other fish in the tank.

 

[Tolak]

Quick question; are you from the US or UK? This affects med availability. Between Wilder & I both continents are covered.

 

[WILDER]

I'm off to bed so good night.
If in uk this med, if not tolak will no states med and I know which one he will say.
http/www.flubenol.co.uk/

 

[Kimbre]

Thank you...I'm in the US

 

[Tolak]

I second flubenol if you are in the UK. If you are in the US, Prazipro is a med commonly used for this, http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...fm?pcatid=12098

Another useful med is Paracide-D, http/www.fishyfarmacy.com/shopping2.html#Paracide-D

With either one of these I would suggest using some epsom salt in the water. It appears that the internal parasites are putting pressure on the swim bladder, causing the difficulties in remaining upright. Start with one teaspoon per 10 gallons epsom, increase by one teaspoon per 10 gallons daily for a maximum of three teaspoons per 10 gallons.

 

[Tolak]

I'm off to bed so good night.
If in uk this med, if not tolak will no states med and I know which one he will say.
http/www.flubenol.co.uk/

Bet I fooled ya, you were expecting metronidazole. Metro is good for internal protizoans, which would be indicated by whitish, mucosy feces. Reddish feces is internal parasites, praziquantel is an excellent med for internal worms. It's a treatment often used when bringing in wild caught cichlids.

 

[Kimbre]

Thank you for the help. I have one more question....in checking local petstores on-line, they don't carry either of these products. There is one more non-chain store but I'll have to call in the morning. The local on-line stores carry things for internal parasites such as Jungle Labs Internal Parasite Guard and Tank Buddies Parasite Clear. If these will be ineffective, and I have to order on-line...will the fish last until they arrive? She isn't eating and I'm just worried she won't be able to last until I get the medications you recommended.

 

[WILDER]

Bet I fooled ya, you were expecting metronidazole. Metro is good for internal protizoans, which would be indicated by whitish, mucosy feces. Reddish feces is internal parasites, praziquantel is an excellent med for internal worms. It's a treatment often used when bringing in wild caught cichlids.

Yes tolak you did was expecting that metronidazole lol.