Jack Dempsey Cichlid: swim bladder issue?

[JSlead]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

Hi all,

I’m worried about my adult JD (presumed female).

I’ve had this fish 3.5 years. I got her as an adult (7” or so).

Tank: 90gal
Mates: 5 small silver dollars, a 4” gourami, a 3” Oscar baby
Food: she’s a very very picky eater. She’ll only eat live worms. I feed a couple 4” earthworms each day and a mealworm or two. She is eating normally still.

I have tested my water (API Master Test) and here it is:

PH 8.2 (stable for years; well water)
Ammo 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate fluctuates of course- around 20

I change water once or often twice a week, about 60% each.

Filter is FX4.

Temp 78°F

She’s been resting near the bottom on her side for two weeks. She does occasionally swim to the other side but then back to her side (always left side down). When she swims up to eat she swims strongly and vertical as normal.

No other signs of illness.

Anything I can do to help this old gal?

Thanks.

JS

View attachment IMG_3304.jpeg

 

[duanes]

It may be aging out, it it was already 7" when you got it it may have been 7 years old then. Lifespan of 10 years is pretty good.
Where JDs come from in the Cenotes of Mexico, nitrates are undetectable due to the surrounding forest eating them as fast as they are produced.
If it were me, I'd double the water change schedule, to reduce you nitrate concentration to see if that helps.
Eden2
When I have tested the water in cichlid habitat from Mexico to Panama, this has always been my nitrate result.

nitrate left, pH right