What is wrong with this Cichlid?

pops

Alligator Gar
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2013
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lol,,, just when i thought i had seen it all.
 

pops

Alligator Gar
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2013
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there allot of meds to try, but as I do not have a clue whats up with him hate to make any recommendations.
 

convict360

Potamotrygon
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Dec 9, 2013
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Salt is usually the safest kind of remedy, if its not known exactly what is wrong; that and clean water.

That goldfish strap thing is excellent lol, I can actually see that working as well
 

Wailua Boy

Potamotrygon
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Jan 2, 2015
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Although salt(sodium chloride) wont do any good but Epsom salt(magnesium sulphate) will work as a muscle relaxant/laxative.
 
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Eliseus

Feeder Fish
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Aug 13, 2015
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Thanks a lot guys..
I will try to find Epson salt today.

How much to I add?
Will adding it affect other fish in the aquarium?
 

Wailua Boy

Potamotrygon
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Jan 2, 2015
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I actually thought the fish looked good aside from the whirling. My guess is a gastrointestinal disorder.(they need a fair amount of algae in diet) As the intestine swells it puts pressure on swim bladder and causes problems. If the fish hasn't deteriorated you could try metronidazole with the Epsom salt. Although only you can make the call as when to euthanize.

For the Epsom salt you can add 1 teaspoon per gallon
 
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Pomatomus

Piranha
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Jul 7, 2009
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There are a number of possibilities. It almost looks like the spine is broken or something. Is the body unable to bend in one direction anymore? It could also be an internal infection of sorts, particularly one affecting the brain that could lend itself to vertigo or impact motor control. It doesn't look like a swimbladder issue to me because the overall buoyancy is relatively normal, but I suppose the pain of added pressure could make it not want to bend to one side. It is rare for a fish to recover from constant spinning. They have trouble getting to food.
 
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Eliseus

Feeder Fish
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Aug 13, 2015
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Here is the last update..
Broken spine looks more plausible now.
But how??
14487305252591365565400.jpg
 
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