Overnight 1 of my firemouths seems to have a pretty bloated stomache and he is also breathing faster constantly opening and closing his mouth like hes chewing something. Going on for the 2nd day now. Also his colors look a lot more vibrant and hes displaying his black bars on his side. which i only see when i 1st turn back on the tank light. Wondering whats going on here?
Firemouth bloated stomache n breathing funny
- Thread starter Black Jack
- Start date
Is there any poo hanging from the rear? Keep an eye on that... if it looks normal and brakes off as it exits thats a good sign... if nothing comes out of the fish its constipated... in that case its best to let it settle down by fasting it... make lots of water changes and increase the oxygen flow to the tank.
If the scales start to stand up like a pine cone its Dropsey...
If the scales start to stand up like a pine cone its Dropsey...
Based on your description there is a very real possibility that your firemouth has bloat (a relatively common ailment among cichlids). Bloat is caused by a bacterial infection in the digestive tract, usually brought on by stress. It is difficult to treat, and catching it early is very important. I don't have the treatment protocol in my head, but a quick search on MFK should give you the information you need. Does your firemouth also show stringy, white poop? Does he refuse food? Those are both symptoms as well. Best of luck.
Havnt seen him pooh or eat at all. Should I get him out of the tank? Can he infect other fish? his scales look ok. Not like he's about to explode or anything. Tho there is a tiny white thing slightly sticking out of his bottom. He also tends to stay near the top but can swim down if he likes
The "white thing sticking out of his bottom" is the stringy poop I was describing. If you decide to treat him for bloat it would be best to get him out of the tank and into a hospital tank - the treatment can be pretty harsh. (Note: I've copied some info I had on file regarding bloat treatment - I think I read it here.) In my experience the prognosis is not very good even with this treatment. On the plus side, bloat is not contagious, but the conditions that led to the problem should be considered (e.g., poor water quality, diet, aggression, are all possible contributing factors) and amended if possible. Sometimes it just happens in a tank that otherwise is healthy. Not sure why.
Medication required: Clout (Aquarium Products) or any medication containing Trichlorphon as the main ingredient. If you cannot find something with this drug, then a cure with Metronidazol is recommended (ie: Jungle’s Internal Parasite Guard or Jungle Parasite Clear Tablets.) Metronidazol is also known under one of it’s brand names Flagyl. Clout (Triclorphon) is the most widely used cure for bloat though.
Day 1: Move fish to quarantine tank and treat with Clout at full strength (1 tablet / 10 gallons--remove carbon from filter)
Day 2: No water change. Treat again with Clout at half strength.
Day 3: Do nothing
Day 4: Do an 80% water change and treat with Clout at full strength
Day 5: Do nothing
Day 6: Return fish to main tank only after symptoms have subsided and the fish has been healthy: (eating, swimming, breathing normally) for a week.
RESIST the urge to try feeding the fish until after the treatment is over and do not cut the treatment short regardless of whether the fish looks better or not. If at any time during the treatment your fish seems to be experiencing stress as a result of the medication then do an immediate 75% water change.
It does sound like your fish may be suffering from what is commonly referred to as "bloat", but it's generally caused by protozoa, specifically spironucleus vortens, not bacteria - and it is contagious in so much as sick fish will shed these protozoa via their feces there by exposing their tank mates. You can read a more detailed explanation of this ailment in the following link. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?448533-Bloat-in-CA-SA-species/
If it was me, I'd try an epsom salt bath first, just to rule out a simple case of constipation.
Good luck.
If it was me, I'd try an epsom salt bath first, just to rule out a simple case of constipation.
Good luck.