Dying Fish

[PDSimon]

One of my smaller apistogramma cacatuoides has not been eating very well for a few days. Stringy poo etc.

He just sat at the bottom and doesn't seem to have much energy any more.

Anyway, he seemed to have gone to where the powerhead is and got caught by it and not had the strength to get of it.

His back is slightly bent so he looks like he is going to die.. still breathing atm but lying on his side.

What should I do

p.s. all the other fish are in good condition so not sure why this has happend to him and he can still swim somewhat.

 

[KittyKat]

If you are 100% sure that the fish is going to die and it is obviously struggling, the least painful solution is clove oil in a bowl with some tank water and the fish. That would put it to sleep and eventually kill it.

As for the cause, we would need more information about the set-up. Water parameter, tank size, stocking (including break down of other cichlids by male/female) and so on..

 

[PDSimon]

I don't have clove oil, not sure what it even is?

The tank has 2 bolivian rams, a female cacatuoide, 8 rummy nose, 6 diamond tetra and 6/7 kuhli loach

Stats are perfect and the tank is 110L

the fish don't fight except in their pairs but only as they would normally

 

[KittyKat]

Clove oil is oil made from cloves, which are seeds from the carnation flower.

In that case, you can either leave him to die naturally (which may be the best option anyway, in case there is any chance at all of recovery) or bag him and rock to the head sort of way.

Has the breathing improved at all?

 

[jock2007-]

sorry to hear about your fish, i hope he recovers, my fingers are crossed for you

 

[PDSimon]

His breathing is steady but its dark now so I can't see. I imagine he'll be dead tomorrow but if not i might try this..

I have a spare filter... not sure whether its worth putting him in his own bucket so he doesn't have to compete for food? only temporary but might be worthwhile. Bucket+filter+heater+bit of bogwood?

 

[KittyKat]

That would work.. how is he doing today?

 

[PDSimon]

Unfortunately he passed away last night

There is still a female in the tank with him so will need to get another at some point...

I forgot to add - thanks for your help