Wounded Cichlid

[rls716]

I have a tank full of Cichlids, 1 Lake Victorian, and 6 Convicts. My problem is, the Victorian is wounded, most likely by the others. Is there anything I can do to ensure it will survive or is it doomed?? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[*Fishkies*]

How badly is it wounded? Can you post a picture?

I would suggest isolating it depending on the wound. Especially if it seems to be struggling to swim or breathe.

 

[rls716]

How badly is it wounded? Can you post a picture?

I would suggest isolating it depending on the wound. Especially if it seems to be struggling to swim or breathe.

Here is the best picture I could take, but i think it shows all of his wounds.

 

[kribensis12]

Definatly sperate, and put aquarium salt in the tank. Then i would try melafix.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Have you noticed the other fish bullying? Were they picking on him before he was wounded? Is there anything sharp he could have scratched himself on?

One thing to be careful about is ulcers can also be caused by a bacterial infection. If you notice the fish getting worse, a fungus looking cotton growing on the wound, or the wound not improving, you may need to treat with antibiotics.

 

[rls716]

Have you noticed the other fish bullying? Were they picking on him before he was wounded? Is there anything sharp he could have scratched himself on?

One thing to be careful about is ulcers can also be caused by a bacterial infection. If you notice the fish getting worse, a fungus looking cotton growing on the wound, or the wound not improving, you may need to treat with antibiotics.

No, he was the aggressor. I actually got this fish from a friend and had to seperate him from the others for a few days because he was going after the smaller fish. When I put him back in the big tank, he was fine. Then I think he ate a small gold fish and the Convict didnt like that, so I think he may have been ganged up on by the other fish in the tank, which are also Convicts.

 

[Tolak]

Seperate tank, treat with melafix, 50% water changes daily for 3 or 4 days.

The problem is you have an old world cichlid in with new worlds, the fish have different body languages that the distinctly different fish don't understand. Cons are nasty for their size, especially when breeding, which they will do at the drop of a hat. You will eventually get a pair, and when they spawn there is a good chance they will be the only thing left in the tank.

 

[jollysue]

Yes to the above

Definately separate. They are not appropriate tankmates. The stricken fish needs treatment. If you don't have a hospital tank find a way to divide the tank. But really Africans and New World Cichlids require different conditions. I have had trouble using MelaFix with some Cichlids.

 

[rls716]

I just want to thank everyone for the advice, it was greatly appreciated and helpful. Unfortunatly he died from his wound this morning.