Pelvicachromis Taeniatus

[Miss Dib Dabs]

My cichlid. There is something wrong with him/her. She/he is gasping at the water surface and I really mean gasping. Normally she (I'm going to assume she is female since she matched that pic almost exactly) spends her time in her hiding spot and rarely comes out except for food. I can't see anything else wrong. She is quite round but not heavily so or bloated either. I can't see any other problems at all. Just gasping! And it's got worse over the last few days. Now she's at the water surface all the time.
I've checked the water for ammonia and nitrItes and they're both 0. I do weekly water changes. She is the biggest member of the tank and none of the other fish bother her at all.
Please, anyone with any ideas at all reply. I don't want to lose her.
I have posted a similar post in emergencies but thought you might see it here quicker so....
Hugs,
P.

 

[dutoits]

Normaly it can onlt be the No2 Nitrite that is high

but if is only the one fish doing this I do not know

If its the No2 then 20% water change and add 1 onze of salt for ever 4.5l/1gal.

I would do this even with the readings you got cant do any harm but will save the fish if it was a No2 spike

Good luck

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

No, hon, nitrItes are perfect as they can be. Pretty convinced now it's some sort of blockage in the airways, even tho I can't see anything going on in there. I'm touching her again tonight as I've stressed the poor thing enough already. Just hope whatever it is clears b4 morning or I fear for her survival.
Hugs,
P.
P.S:I next to never use salt in any tank. I have alot of catfish and other scaleless fish. Even tho this isn't the case I still consider it unnatural to add such a thing uneccessarily, as it would be here.

 

[benzonar]

What is the ph level of your water. Taeniatus tend to still be imported from the wild and prefer a ph around 6.

Other than that they generally have the same type of needs as regular kribs.

Not sure what it could be really, sorry.

Hope she pulls through as they are great fish.

 

[freddyk]

What other fish are in the tank?

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Tis in my siggy. 4 x-ray tetras, 4 harlequins, 1 s.gouramie, 3 endlers (1 male, 2 female). Tank is fully cycled etc etc.
She's still going this morning, bless. Still gasping away. Sitting on the gravel. I have to say the stomach looks a little bloated this morning. Not eaten anything but I haven't seen any bowel movements either. Makes me wonder if this is serious constipation since I have failed to see anything in the mouth that could be obstructing the airways. *Sigh* I really have no clue. Am hoping she'll go to the loo at some point but I can't watch her all day. If that isn't it then eventually all this gasping is gonna weaken her beyond help.
I was going to do a water change today but with her like she is I'm not going to risk further stress. The water quality is spot on so shouldn't be an issue to leave an extra day or so.
Dammit why aren't there any local fish specialists in the vetinary sense. *Bangs head on desk*
Hugs,
P.

 

[freddyk]

Try feeding her pea's - it's a long shot, but if she's constipated and if she can put them down then they'll clear her up.

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Ah no. She didn't make it. As I have said in the emergency thread for her, she passed on early this afternoon, despite all efforts. Thanks for your help though. And I extend that to everyone who replied. I know she would have appreciated it.
Hugs,
P.