I Think My Pygmy Cory Has Epilepsy

[Katch]

I've noticed some very strange behaviour from one of my Pygmy cats over many months.

When it comes to the surface to breath - the second it snatches the breath - it begins to jerk and writhe spinning in a very tight circle as it sinks back to the bottom. When it reaches the substrate it lies motionless for about a minute before starting to behave normally again.

It is always the same fish, it happens a lot and has been happening for many months. In every other respect the fish is healthy and happy. All other fish in the tank are fine - I have way more filtration than I need and stats are always on the nose.

Has anyone else ever observed similar behaviour from a fish with no other signs of illness over an extended time? I can only assume it is neurological and triggered by breathing at the surface followed by a short period of paralysis... sounds like epilepsy to me.

 

[Gilli]

It could be whirling disease. This illness is caused by a myxosporidian parasite known as Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasites infect the tissues around the inner ear and the cartilage of the skull. It causes the fish to swim in circles, sometimes frantically, or to swim nose-down tail-up, spinning like a top. It is usually fatal, though some fish will survive and thereafter always have spinal/skeletal deformities. It is also untreatable.

Id keep an eye on him and see if it gets worse.

 

[Katch]

It's just odd that it never happens at any other time other than taking a breath. I'd expect whirling disesae to present itself more evenly and with more symptoms.

 

[Gilli]

I had a fish that did the same thing very sporadically for months so I thought it was just a bit nutty - then it suddenly got worse and died. Fingers crossed for you yours will be ok.