Sick Long Fin Black Skirt Tetra

[SunnyBeaches]

My long fin black skirt tetra began swimming "funny" yesterday. He is swimming very slowly, mostly on his side to the point of literally flipping over swimming upside down and his mouth opens and closes constantly as if he is gasping for air. When another fish swims towards him he darts away swimming just fine. Ammonia and PH readings were fine but I did a partial water change yesterday anyway. (It didn't help him) His "tummy area" appears to be rather plump. Lighting in the aquarium is only from the top. I feed them Tetra-Min tropical fish flakes and frozen brine shrimp. (Brine shrimp is only fed about every other day.) HELP PLEASE!!!!

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like swim bladder, try the fish on some shelled peas, do you over feed the fish as this can cause swim bladder problems, so to can to many dry foods in there diet.

 

[SunnyBeaches]

Oh boy......he just swam to the top and then dropped to the bottom TOTALLY on his back......when he reached the bottom he righted himself and then began swimming around slowly but partially on his side. (55 gallon tank) I can't find anything like this in any of my fish books. I just now treated with "PimaFix" but any help you can give me is anxiously anticipated. Feel free to e-mail me at sunny12@adams.net please!!!

 

[WILDER]

http/bettas.fishjunkies.com/Disorders/sbd.php
http/www.mushi.petfish.net/swimbladder.html

 

[SunnyBeaches]

Sounds like swim bladder, try the fish on some shelled peas, do you over feed the fish as this can cause swim bladder problems, so to can to many dry foods in there diet.

Hi and thanks! I have been thinking swim bladder also. I don't think that I am overfeeding them.....I usually only feed what they can consume in about 2 to 3 minutes or less twice a day. (55 gallon community tank with 3 piggy Angels) *sigh*

 

[SunnyBeaches]

http/bettas.fishjunkies.com/Disorders/sbd.php
http/www.mushi.petfish.net/swimbladder.html

Thanks for the URL's Wilder...I am reading them as we speak. I forgot......I also feed my fish Tubifex worms about once or twice a week. From what I am reading though it looks like I may not be feeding them ANYTHING for a couple of days! *sigh* This aquarium belonged to my brother......I bought it from my sister-in-law after he passed away. I hate to lose any of the fish......partly because they were my brothers and partly because I am an animal/fish lover! (I HATE snakes though! ewwwwwwww.........)

 

[WILDER]

As long as they are not live tubilex worms bad news them, i love animals to and it's not nice when you have a sick fish so i no how you feel, hope you have caught it in time, good luck.

 

[SunnyBeaches]

As long as they are not live tubilex worms bad news them, i love animals to and it's not nice when you have a sick fish so i no how you feel, hope you have caught it in time, good luck.

Nope.....they are freeze dried cubes. Speaking of which......I must wonder if that is the major problem here! They are Wardley's brand (which I don't care for to begin with but was the only brand left at the time) and I gave my fish 2 cubes the day b4 yesterday in place of flakes or frozen brine shrimp! I recall seeing him chewing on the cube after I stuck it to the glass and then chasing the worms as they floated around the tank and am thinking that what I have left will either be dumped out or fed to the goldfish in my pond!

I am thinking about getting one of my 10 gallons out and setting it up for him but am concerned about causing him too much stress by doing so.

 

[WILDER]

He would probably would be more comfortable on his own, if he is turning upside down.

 

[SunnyBeaches]

He would probably would be more comfortable on his own, if he is turning upside down.

OK..........I cleaned the 10 gallon out thoroughly and put him in it. I only put about 4 or 5 inches of water in it (some from the 55 gallon and some tap water) and one small plant that is just floating. He still isn't doing well at all but at least if he dies he will die in peace and without all the other fish chomping on his fins like they have been doing. (grrrrrrr.............bad fishies! LOL)

Hugs and thanks much!
S

 

[WILDER]

Youre' welcome it sad at times, keeping fish.

 

[SunnyBeaches]

Youre' welcome it sad at times, keeping fish.

Well he made it through the night but there hasn't been any change that I can tell. I haven't fed him at all since yesterday morning. He hasn't went "potty" yet either. Only time will tell I guess!

 

[WILDER]

Bless him good luck.