Twitching Firemouth

[drufly]

Ok so after i got sorted with the jewel cichlid prob the other day, 1 of my firemouths has now mysteriously started twitching. It was lying on its side at the bottom. this just came on all of a sudden.

I have it isolated in a bag from the rest of the tank, added a drop of 'king british revitaliser tonic' to the bag to see f that helps.

All stats are normal all other fish are doing brilliant just this one fm is suffering.

Any ideas peepz. Cheers

 

[RustedKnight]

poor little thing.

No signs of parasite or bacterial infection??

Has it got a curved spine at all?

 

[drufly]

nope. it was fine 1 min then i looked again and it was twitching on its side, the lobster took hold of it for a sec but i split that up. the only damage i can see is from the jewel, few nips on the fins just.

 

[RustedKnight]

suffering from shock or stress then maybe?

Sorry, i'm at a loss.

 

[drufly]

the spine is a little curved yea. it seems to be spasm'n if u no wot i mean.

 

[RustedKnight]

the spine is a little curved yea. it seems to be spasm'n if u no wot i mean.

Hmm, I really hope not, but there is a chance it could be Fish Tuberculosis then (fish TB)

Really need others to help us out really.

 

[drufly]

Is this contageous? What can be done or will i have to resign to the fact that its on its way out

 

[RustedKnight]

If it IS fish tb, then yes it is contagious. It's a bacteria.

Thing is curved spine and twitching are only some of the symptoms, does the fish have any sore areas at all, as that would be a good giveaway.

Just in case, i suggest you wash your hands, and put on a pair of gloves if possible. And avoid starting siphons with your mouth, as it is possible for humans to catch it to. But as i said, it's not definately TB, I really need help on the subject.

 

[star4]

It could be shock, I have just had the same thing with my female Krobia the last 2 days. If the firemouth has been got at by a jewel and the lobster it sounds more likely it could be shock. If possible isolate the fish in another tank with lots of cover and somewhere to hide and leave the lights off for a couple of days. Do water changes daily, only a little is needed and I wouldnt worry about feeding as it most likely wont eat, try a little food once you see the fish start swimming about the tank again. Hope this helps

 

[RustedKnight]

It could be shock, I have just had the same thing with my female Krobia the last 2 days. If the firemouth has been got at by a jewel and the lobster it sounds more likely it could be shock. If possible isolate the fish in another tank with lots of cover and somewhere to hide and leave the lights off for a couple of days. Do water changes daily, only a little is needed and I wouldnt worry about feeding as it most likely wont eat, try a little food once you see the fish start swimming about the tank again. Hope this helps

Thank you, yeah I really hope it is only shock.

 

[drufly]

Thanks. Although it was fine. the lobster only got the hold of it after this started, and the jewel was took out on monday and returned to lfs.

Would it be ok in a small tank, lik 60 70 ltr, with minnows?

 

[drufly]

There are no sores at all, no damage at all. its spine is a little curved but its gradual. Not kinked or nothing. Its acuatally looks exausted.

 

[RustedKnight]

I think you're probably okay then *phew.. wiping some sweat off my forehead*

I'll agree with Star then, most likely stress induced shock.

Tried dosing with stresscoat or some similar product? Or some aquarium salt?

And i'd think it'd be okay in with the minnows, but I don't know much about either species. I have a feeling that if the firemouth perked up, you'd end up missing some minnows.

 

[drufly]

Yea i was thinking that myself and as they are in the missus' tank and are her's i dont think i'll take the risk. lol

I dosed the tank with revitiliser tonic, its all i have left. Think i'll let him rest up in the bag for a few hours, changing the water every so often.

 

[RustedKnight]

Yea i was thinking that myself and as they are in the missus' tank and are her's i dont think i'll take the risk. lol

I dosed the tank with revitiliser tonic, its all i have left. Think i'll let him rest up in the bag for a few hours, changing the water every so often.

Well I hope he makes a full recovery, good luck

Will keep checking up on the thread.