My male Chancho (approx 12 inches TL) got sick a few weeks back. He got bloated and started hiding. He has always been a non-aggressive fish - the exact opposite you read about Chanchos. I have a nearly 9" Chancho that is a complete jerk. Anyway, he is in a 300 w/ all male Amphs and a few other non cichlid fish. The only two fish that could even remotely challenge him are a 13" barred midas and a 12.5" creamsicle midas. Both of these fish let him know they are higher in the food chain, but none ever do any damage or continue the chase after they make their point and he gets out of their way.
He would not eat or come out, and his color changed. I did back to back major water changes and added a bunch of aquarium salt. After a week, his bloating went down and he started to come out. I then starting soaking his food in epsom salt. He seems to be back to normal - except his coloring. One side is fine. The other now had two major black bars - even into the dorsal fin. The dorsal is where it starts and is perfect on one side and abnormal on the other.
I think he actually looks pretty cool now, but am curious as to what might have caused this - and if folks recommend doing anything else. I would hate to lose this gentle giant. I am wanting him to keep on growing.
He would not eat or come out, and his color changed. I did back to back major water changes and added a bunch of aquarium salt. After a week, his bloating went down and he started to come out. I then starting soaking his food in epsom salt. He seems to be back to normal - except his coloring. One side is fine. The other now had two major black bars - even into the dorsal fin. The dorsal is where it starts and is perfect on one side and abnormal on the other.
I think he actually looks pretty cool now, but am curious as to what might have caused this - and if folks recommend doing anything else. I would hate to lose this gentle giant. I am wanting him to keep on growing.
