Gourami Swimming Funny

[molitor75]

Got a gourami that is swimming funny its swimming round in circles and upside down and has difficulty swimming to the top to get air. I've heard that swim bladder is uncommon in gourami's yet I think that might be what the problem is.

There are not really visible outward signs of illness other than swimming funny

Any ideas?

 

[-germ-]

What is it kept with?
Can you check if there is any damage to the fins....
What do you feed and how often?
Is the tank cycled?

 

[molitor75]

HiIts kept with other gouramis, angels and catfish. The same tank set up with the same fish for 18months.Feed them on frozen blood worm and a mixture of dried food - they are fed 3 times a day, only the amount they can consume within a few minutes. They also get a twice weekly treat of crushed peasNo visible damage to fins or bodythe gourami in question is probably around 4 years old

 

[*Fishkies*]

Does it seem bloated at all?
What are your water testing statistics?
How often have you been performing water changes?

How is the fishs' breathing? How is the color?

I would suggest putting it in a container with a lower water level so it does not have to stress so much to get to the top of the water surface.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Two big possibilities that come to my mind are either swim bladder problems, or something called whirling disease. Swim bladder problems are much much much more common, but also have many causes. If the fish looks bloated, try to feed it a pea, as it may be constipated. At the same time, a round of antibiotics can also be helpful. Even though it may not be bacterial, my theory is it is better to treat fish sooner with antibiotics, as the more advanced a disease, the harder it is to kill.

Constipation and Bacterial infections are the two easiest to cure causes of swim bladder problems. Unfortunately, whirling disease is basically impossible to cure. If possible, i would isolate the fish.

I know it is hard to watch. I once had a yellow lab do something similar, where he literally swam in corkscrews nonstop for a week. Even at night with the lights out. Unfortunately, no antibacterial meds helped, and I euthanized him.

Good luck!

 

[molitor75]

Water tests are all good quality and other fish are fine, it doesn't look bloated and its colour is good. It is still feeding.

I've looked up whirling disease but don't think its that. It hasn't got the classic symptoms that they mention, but then again, maybe its different in Gourami's?

The Gourami seems to have settled a bit in the floating breeding tank, seems to have righted himself and isn't twisting around half as much as he was doing last night.

Do you think I should keep him in there for a few days (if he survives) and see how it goes??

If I have to euthanase him, what do you suggest I do - i.e. what is the kindest way?