Platy, Status: Critical

[drango91]

ive noticed just a few hours ago that one of my most elderly fish is beginning to pass away he seems unable to swim his tail goes up making him lie in the hospital area head facing down, he is usually on his side, i have added maracyn two as wella s water changes a little salt, could this be a diesease or is it just his time to go(had him for a while)

 

[*Fishkies*]

Could be old age. However this does not sound normal.

What are your water stats?
What is is water temperature?

Does he just lay on his side on the bottom of the tank? Does he have control of his swimming?
Does he seem bloated?

 

[drango91]

temp is 81 degrees F, i have no water stats(no testing EQ at the moment) hes more skinny than bloated, breathing heavily, no other fish are affected, however the tank is far overstocked because of breeding(im trying to sell them away)but lucky me the female realizes that shes making too many babies. actaully my platys are quite smart, but thats another thread

 

[*Fishkies*]

Well if you bring your water temperature down to 76F this may help in stopping the breeding so much. And also having so many babies pop out so quickly. Higher temperatures encourage faster breeding.

Does he hang at the bottom or the top of the tank more often?
Do his gills seem more red?

 

[drango91]

likes to be on the bottom to rest, his gills are normal colored, i always thought my red mickeymouse platy would always go first, hes the most elderly

 

[*Fishkies*]

Well if they are at least a year old, that is pretty old for some fish like these. If he's closer to two years then it could be his time. Your maracy 2 treatment should help him out. Antibacterial medications like that are known to help fish sometimes if they are not always up to par!

 

[drango91]

yeah considering he was adult when i got him he has about a year or so in my tank

 

[*Fishkies*]

Well then it may just be old age, and not much more you can do.

 

[drango91]

WOW! somehhow he made it thru the night! im gonna add more maracyn