Sick Bichir- Help!

[Kat23]

The fish is a 5 inch sengalus bichir living in a 75 gallon tank. It had been living with a four inch oscar baby until very recently. It hasn't been eating well for the past two weeks (if at all). we had tried all sorts of fish foods ( frozen shrimp, brine shrimp cubes, hikari sinking pellets for carnivores). Today I found it at the surface laying still upside down in the shape of a U. It moves occasionally, but when it does it seems wobbly. A week ago we had to do a large water change as we had to move the tank. The tank also had tiny white worms that came into the tank with bought plants. These worms were not parasitic.

Any Ideas?

 

[WILDER]

Not sounding good i'm afraid.
is the spine bent.
is the fish on the thin side.
Check the anus to see if it's enlarged or red and inflamed.
Have you seen it go to the toilet if so what does it look like.

The worms in the tank can you explain what they look like in more detail, do they have a forked tail.

 

[Kat23]

Thanks for quick reply.

The worms have all been eliminated. They did not have forked tails if my memory seams right. They lived in the soil mostly, never saw them attacking fish.
I have not seen my bichir eat recently. I have seen it try to eat shrimp, but it just spit it right back out. I haven't seen it "go to the bathroom" in ages.
It's body looks normal, no bulging, not too skinny. He just looks a little pale.

Also, very important note. It swims like it is drunk- it cannot balance itself, it is rolling over, wobbling, lies belly up for minutes then wiggles around and lies still again.

 

[WILDER]

Ok.
To be honest it dosn't sound like he's going to make it.
The symtoms you are describing can be swim bladder to bacterial infection.
How old is he?

Hows his breathing.

If you can issolate try a bacterial med, but I don't hold out much hope, then again fish can surprise you sometimes.

 

[Kat23]

Ok.
To be honest it dosn't sound like he's going to make it.
The symtoms you are describing can be swim bladder to bacterial infection.
How old is he?

Hows his breathing.

I was kinda thinking the same thing. The breathing is labored/sporadic.
He can go up and down the tank alright, just can't stay level when swimming.

Any way to treat this infection?

 

[WILDER]

Swim bladder can be bacterial, bad water quality, unstable temp, poor diet, birth defect, damaged swim bladder, injury, internal parasites.
If the fish is not eating that can be due to a bacterial infection.
You could try a bacterial med but not looking good.

Need location for a med.

 

[Kat23]

ON,Canada

 

[WILDER]

Do you have any bacterial meds in stock.
maracyn two.
Maracyn–Two
Manufacturer: Mardel
A broad-spectrum antibiotic for internal or external gram negative bacterial infections which can even be absorbed through the skin. Effective treatment of fin and tail rot, popeye, gill disease, dropsy (swollen body, protruding scales), septicemia (bleeding or red streaks on the body), secondary and internal infections. Effective even when fish won't eat.
Active ingredient: Mincycline hydrochlor.

 

[Kat23]

Do you have any bacterial meds in stock.
maracyn two.
Maracyn–Two
Manufacturer: Mardel
A broad-spectrum antibiotic for internal or external gram negative bacterial infections which can even be absorbed through the skin. Effective treatment of fin and tail rot, popeye, gill disease, dropsy (swollen body, protruding scales), septicemia (bleeding or red streaks on the body), secondary and internal infections. Effective even when fish won't eat.
Active ingredient: Mincycline hydrochlor.

Thanks. I think I'll give it a try.

 

[WILDER]

Good Luck.
Let us all know he gets on bless him.