Sick Gourami?

[CoreyMac]

I have a Male Dwarf Gourami that I found laying on its' side this morning. He's breathing somewhat rapidly and appears to be a bit bloated. Is my fish bloated? If so, what can I do to help him?


Water params:

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
ph 6.4
Temp 78
25% WC every week.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Sounds like he is ill. Has he been eating anything lately. What does his poo look like? They are quite prone to bacterial infections. Bloatedness can be dropsy, which is basically organ failure. But it can also be constipation (easiest cleared by feeding a cooked pea).

 

[sylvia]

Can you isolate him? The problem is an internal bacterial infection (one symptom is dropsy as mentioned) and he needs antibiotic treatment ASAP. He probably won't survive but its worth a shot. If you can't isolate, treat the whole tank but monitor your water parameters and perform frequent water changes as necessary. If he deteriorates or dies, either euthanise (clove oil is the only humane method - or smashing the brain/head but most people don't like doing this - never freeze or flush!) or remove as appropriate (obviously, remove the dead fish, euthanise the deteriorating fish!)