Bichir cannot swim

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Essaf Victor

Essaf Victor

Candiru
MFK Member
Oct 28, 2017
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Dubai
see 3 days ago I bought a 28cm wc endli bichir, he can’t swim properly he wiggles and swims strangly In circles and have hard time moving in the tank but thankfully he ate today but still having a hard time swimming and have a hard time breathing from the surface but not floating so I don’t think swim bladder

Please I need urgent help I am so scared to loose him

Thanks in advance
 
Can u post a video? Does it look like it’s using the entirety of its tail and back/body? Would make sure there’s a good gap between ur top of the tank and water line for now. Keep the water clean and monitor for now.
 
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Essaf Victor said:
see 3 days ago I bought a 28cm wc endli bichir, he can’t swim properly he wiggles and swims strangly In circles and have hard time moving in the tank but thankfully he ate today but still having a hard time swimming and have a hard time breathing from the surface but not floating so I don’t think swim bladder

Please I need urgent help I am so scared to loose him

Thanks in advance
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Sorry you are dealing with this. Post your water parameters please (temp, ph, nitrates, nitrite, ammonia).Ideally use a liquid test kit instead of the paper tabs.

Could the water have been very different from the water you are using? Was the Bichir acting like this when you bought him?

Would suggest lowering the water level so he can conserve energy. That way it still covers the fish, and he only has to reach up a few inches to breath.
 
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kno4te said:
Can u post a video? Does it look like it’s using the entirety of its tail and back/body? Would make sure there’s a good gap between ur top of the tank and water line for now. Keep the water clean and monitor for now.
Click to expand...
He is not using his back body that much but rarely he does use it and there is a 3 inch gap between the water line and the tank top
 
clm08k said:
Sorry you are dealing with this. Post your water parameters please (temp, ph, nitrates, nitrite, ammonia).Ideally use a liquid test kit instead of the paper tabs.

Could the water have been very different from the water you are using? Was the Bichir acting like this when you bought him?

Would suggest lowering the water level so he can conserve energy. That way it still covers the fish, and he only has to reach up a few inches to breath.
Click to expand...
The water parameters are fine cuz the other fish in the tank is doing fine but the temp is a little bit high (I don’t have a test kit)

I don’t think he is stressed or sick cuz he ate and he is breathing normally(not heavily breathing)

I can’t figure out why he can’t swim properly
 
Could be back/spinal injury would monitor and treat with clean water and feed since eating. Can lower the water level. Reduce stress.
 
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