Bichir with gill curl... what to do?

[SpecialKay]

I noticed one of my new bichirs has gill curl on the right side, and was wondering if I should try to trim it off. It wouldn't really bother me if not for the fact that the gill curl is curling inwards towards the actual gills (rather than outwards). The fish doesn't seem too bothered, but the actual gills on that side seems almost completely closed in by the curling membrane.

Should I try to trim off the curling part?

 

[kno4te]

I’d leave alone if the fish isn’t bothered.

 

[SpecialKay]

I’d leave alone if the fish isn’t bothered.

Will any problems arise from the membrane curling inwards into the gills?

 

[kno4te]

Will any problems arise from the membrane curling inwards into the gills?

It could. Damage the gills from the gill plates. Gill curl has been suggested due to small tank size and water quality issues. Can be corrected and avoid any cutting.

 

[SpecialKay]

It could. Damage the gills from the gill plates. Gill curl has been suggested due to small tank size and water quality issues. Can be corrected and avoid any cutting.

My water hovers around 5-10 ppm, with wc every 3 days. What should I do to correct the gil curl?

 

[tlindsey]

What should I do to correct the gil curl?

The bichir was probably born like that especially if captive bred. I agree with not cutting you could do more harm than good. If you bought it from a nearby lfs I suggest taking it back.

 

[SpecialKay]

The bichir was probably born like that especially if captive bred. I agree with not cutting you could do more harm than good. If you bought it from a nearby lfs I suggest taking it back.

I don't think it was born like that, because it didn't have the gill curl when the seller picked it out for me (I have several pictures I just went back through to confirm). It did however spend almost a week in transit, not sure if the water quality/tank size issues apply with that.

 

[giseok jung]

It will be very helpful if you have any photo of it but Vitamin C shortage can be the reason too.

 

[SpecialKay]

It will be very helpful if you have any photo of it but Vitamin C shortage can be the reason too.

I feed daily with vitachem-fortified chopped tilapia/swai, so the vitamin C should be covered.

I tried to get the best pictures I could, it's feeding time so no one is sitting still in the tank.

 

[giseok jung]

I feed daily with vitachem-fortified chopped tilapia/swai, so the vitamin C should be covered.

I tried to get the best pictures I could, it's feeding time so no one is sitting still in the tank.

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If your vitachem is fresh enough, Vitamin C can be oxidized very quickly (They even start oxidized before you open the bottle or bags) and become lower contents than it wrote.
So I would try much water change and change vitamin sources before try any surigical treatments.