Very Sick Bolivian Ram!

[Torchwood~Mindfreak]

Last weekend I got three new bolivian rams. The male was a little on the skinny side but he's been eating good. I cam home tonight and he is acting very wierd. His face looks kind of sunken and he is just kinda floating with the flow of the water. Every once in a while he goes to the top and bobs (He never normaly goes to the top) Then he just kinds sinks down and hangs vertically near the bottom. Please does anyone know what's going on? And what can I do!

 

[nmonks]

You shouldn't buy underweight cichlids. Intestinal tract parasites such as Hexamita are quite common on fish farms, and while healthy fish seem to carry them without problems, once the fish is stressed, these parasites further weaken the fish. The standard operating procedure here is to treat with a combination of Metronidazole and Nitrofuranace together. In the US these can sometimes be obtained from pet shops, but otherwise you'll need to get them from the vet. A vet will also be able to ensure the right dosage for the size/weight of the fish.

Cheers, Neale

 

[karin]

Just an added note, metronidazole/praziquantel mix is available in the US from API, under the name General Cure.

 

[nmonks]

True, but do further note than one of the 'furan' antibiotics is still required. It's the combination of the metro for protozoans with the furans for bacteria that works best. For whatever reason, this is the combination to use when treating cichlids.

Cheers, Neale