Cause of death???

[fishmamma]

My SB pink convict had been sick for several months now, and dispite my efforts he passed today. Characteristics of stress where, laying on his side for most of the day, when swimming he swam lop-sided, and one side of his body was swollen. The side that was swollen, at some point last week became a pinkish spot. A few days later, it was a dark red spot located in the same area that had previously been pinkish. After putting some salt and raising the temp, the red spot cleared completely. Considering the length of his sickness (like 5 months) and the swelling, what could have caused his death? Keep in mind he ate very well the whole time, and at times would even chase my other convict around the tank. I'm sure I missed a few things.. just let me know.

55g
2x BP's 6 in
1x SB Pink con 3in this one was his buddy
1x Common Plec 10 in
1x Black spotted eel 12in

FYI.. I tried parasite meds (don't remember the name), salt & temp remedy (several times)... First pic should be of when he was alive, like two weeks ago lying on his side.

Thanks..

 

[CLDarnell]

Sorry for your loss. Some of the symptoms and the photos look like bloat. But untreated, it will kill rather quickly.

Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[fishmamma]

Do you mean bladder bloat? I even tried peas.... it was suggested so I tried it ... he ate, along with everyone else..

 

[CLDarnell]

No, sorry...a parasite disease called "Malawi Bloat". Its one of the most prevalent diseases in African Cichlids. It is almost certainly fatal and has to be caught and treated early. There are many symptoms you described that don't fit the disease...but many did. As far as I know, it only affects Africans...but I don't know honestly.

 

[CLDarnell]

This is a photo of Malawi Bloat. You can see the fish is very similar in appearance to yours:

(photo courtesy of cichlid-forum.com, Neil Wegner photographer)

 

[fishmamma]

Thanks, it sounds right... I was reading up on possible causes, and read that it could have been a protozoal parasite. And under stressful conditions that it will proliferate... When I got my eel, about 3 weeks ago.. he kinda took the cons cave... although I had set up a new one for the eel... well he kinda took both.. although the signs were there way before the eel..... it finally, I guess was too much for him. Thanks again, buddy.