Kelberi problem

[Cabinetman 1]

I have a Kelberi that has stopped eating. Today he acted hungry but would struggle with the food then spit it out. He has been eating great. I feed tilapia to twice a day. Another interesting thing is I noticed at the base of his fins to his body are really red as well as his top fin to body. I don't know of that is anything or not. I will attach a picture of him. Water parameters are all in check. The others are eating well.

View attachment IMG_20170531_065124750.jpg

 

[krichardson]

Interesting,I have never seen that redness under the dorsal fin before...wish that I could help.

 

[chriswhizptrp]

I would check water parameters and start from there. Maybe do a water change and add salt.

 

[Cabinetman 1]

I would check water parameters and start from there. Maybe do a water change and add salt.

Water quality is good, no Ammonia or Nitrite. Nitrate is at 25ppm (prior to a 50%WC) I have salt in the tank 1 teaspoon per gallon. Both of the other fish are fine. He was eating a ton then all of a sudden this came on. I was hoping someone would know if I should treat the tank with meds or just keep super clean water? Temp is at 87. Thanks for the help.

 

[Abyssalisk]

Wouldn't hurt to slowly lower temp imo. If it's a pathogen most don't do well below 82. Just my two cents.

 

[chriswhizptrp]

Water quality is good, no Ammonia or Nitrite. Nitrate is at 25ppm (prior to a 50%WC) I have salt in the tank 1 teaspoon per gallon. Both of the other fish are fine. He was eating a ton then all of a sudden this came on. I was hoping someone would know if I should treat the tank with meds or just keep super clean water? Temp is at 87. Thanks for the help.

No need for meds, just maintain your water quality. Have you tried skipping feedings to starve him a bit? He might just be full. Cichlas can go for weeks without food. I feed mine just every other day.

 

[Cabinetman 1]

No need for meds, just maintain your water quality. Have you tried skipping feedings to starve him a bit? He might just be full. Cichlas can go for weeks without food. I feed mine just every other day.

Thanks for the advice just finished a water change, nitrates at 0. One more question if you don't mind. I would like to know how close in size a new addition should be to add to the tank. I would like to get a couple of more. Thanks again.

 

[chriswhizptrp]

Thanks for the advice just finished a water change, nitrates at 0. One more question if you don't mind. I would like to know how close in size a new addition should be to add to the tank. I would like to get a couple of more. Thanks again.

You're lucky you can bring nitrates to zero with just a water change! Mine stays put at 40 to 80ppm no matter what I do

An inch or two bigger or smaller would be perfect. Although I have tried adding much smaller ones to 8 inchers. Just remember that anything that can fit into their huge mouths is potential lunch lol

 

[Cabinetman 1]

You're lucky you can bring nitrates to zero with just a water change! Mine stays put at 40 to 80ppm no matter what I do

An inch or two bigger or smaller would be perfect. Although I have tried adding much smaller ones to 8 inchers. Just remember that anything that can fit into their huge mouths is potential lunch lol

Lol thanks I appreciate the help!

 

[chriswhizptrp]

Lol thanks I appreciate the help!

No worries. I've been on the same boat myself. When I was training my Kelberis to stop eating live food, they didn't eat for 12 days lol!

Right now I have another one who has not eaten for a while. My 8 inch Riometa wouldn't eat anything ever since I got my cichlas on eating sardinella slices instead of market prawns. From time to time he would swallow one slice then spit it out haha