Parrot Cichlid- Odd Behavior- Help!

[WILDER]

With some fish resting in plants can be bacterial, they can also dart around with bacterial infections.
If there no signs of flicking and rubbing dosn't sound like a parasite.
If his poo was normal dosn't sound like internal parasites.

 

[idratherbe8587]

With some fish resting in plants can be bacterial, they can also dart around with bacterial infections.
If there no signs of flicking and rubbing dosn't sound like a parasite.
If his poo was normal dosn't sound like internal parasites.

Would you recommend I attempt to treat for a bacterial infection now? Even though I'm not sure thats what it is. And if so... what meds would you recommend?

 

[WILDER]

Its best to isolate sick fish for treatment.
Its hard to say if its bacterial showing some signs, don't like adding meds till you really know, then it can be to late.
I would like to see water stats as that important.

 

[idratherbe8587]

Its best to isolate sick fish for treatment.
Its hard to say if its bacterial showing some signs, don't like adding meds till you really know, then it can be to late.
I would like to see water stats as that important.

Unfortunately I've only got one tank... so quarantining him is probably not an option. I will post stats as soon as I have them-- later tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for all the help!

 

[WILDER]

Ok as water stats are important need to rule it out that its not bad water quality causing his behavour.

 

[Tolak]

Cichlids can be a bit moody after being moved, and will sulk at times. I would give it a couple more days, leaving the tank lit with room light only, as this will make for a less stessful tank.

Tank stats would help here, as well as the country you are located in, as not all meds are available in all countries.

 

[cheesy feet]

If its pooing normally, swimming normally, and eating at least a little leave it.When I first got my two parrot cichlids they wouldn't come out at all when I was near.And would only eat when alone, and this is when there was two, so for it to be acting as it is doesn't suprise me.
They really are social fish, mine shoal just as much as my SD's unless they get divided when looking for food.
As tolak said leave it for a few days, I would leave it for a week or more, if you see an improvement.Cichlids 'sulk' like you were describing sometimes...It took 3 + months for mine to get friendly.

 

[idratherbe8587]

Ok as water stats are important need to rule it out that its not bad water quality causing his behavour.

The more I think about it, I do recall him rubbing himself on the gravel on the bottom of the tank a little yesterday... but it wasn't for long, and it didn't really grab my attention as a possible reaction to a parasite. Hmm...

I'm going to test the water stats tomorrow and pick up some bacterial/parasite meds. Even if its not that, they'll be good to have on-hand. Any more advice you or anyone else has is more than welcome! thanks

 

[idratherbe8587]

Cichlids can be a bit moody after being moved, and will sulk at times. I would give it a couple more days, leaving the tank lit with room light only, as this will make for a less stessful tank.

Tank stats would help here, as well as the country you are located in, as not all meds are available in all countries.

I'm in the U.S.-- thanks for the advice! I guess it could just be sulking, but it just seems so lifeless and wobbly... and that still has me a bit concerned.

 

[idratherbe8587]

Ok as water stats are important need to rule it out that its not bad water quality causing his behavour.

Okay, checked the stats and everything seems fine. Here they are:

pH- 7.5
ammonia- 0 ppm
Nitrite- o ppm
Nitrate- 20 ppm
Carbonate hardness- 3
General Hardness- 10

The general hardness could be lowered a bit... but I don't think that would cause this behavior. Any thoughts?

 

[cheesy feet]

Do a water change to get nitrates down a bit, unless your tap water has nitrates in anyway.
Sounds like something more serious is wrong with him if its rubbing itself on the gravel, but if he was doing with this his mouth he's chances are he's just being a cichlid.

 

[idratherbe8587]

Do a water change to get nitrates down a bit, unless your tap water has nitrates in anyway.
Sounds like something more serious is wrong with him if its rubbing itself on the gravel, but if he was doing with this his mouth he's chances are he's just being a cichlid.

Brought the pH down to 7.2 today, hopefully will reach 7.0 tomorrow and stay stable. Also treated with quICK drops (general parasite/illness meds).

So far, so good! He is definitely looking happier-- although still spending most of his time in a cave, he is now supporting himself and comes out when i turn the lights off.

Thanks for your help everyone!