Sick EBJD

[2310574388]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

40

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

What percentage of water do you change?

61-70%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

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.

Hello, over a month ago I bought 10pcs of EBJD, size 3cm, they grew about a centimeter in a month and thrived nicely. But last week I got 10pcs of Aulonacara Fire fish (red not orange version), only for fattening until they grow to 6cm and I will be able to put them in the Malawi aquarium with other mouthbrooders. But the problem is that the EBJD started to hide, became timid and stopped swimming around the aquarium. Today I discovered long white feces in some of them. The aquarium is 400l, temperature 26C, pH 7.5, I change 2/3 of the water every week and the filtration is fluval fx-6. I only feed Hikari Vibra bites. Do you know how to save the fish?

 

[tlindsey]

EBJD started to hide, became timid and stopped swimming around the aquarium. Today I discovered long white feces in some of them.

The hiding behavior and long stringy white feces is a sign of internal parasite. I suggest taking out the EBJD place in a tote or aquarium and treat with meds for internal parasite.

 

[2310574388]

The hiding behavior and long stringy white feces is a sign of internal parasite. I suggest taking out the EBJD place in a tote or aquarium and treat with meds for internal parasite.

I will buy Metronidazole tomorrow. So far I have only added Epsom salt to the water. I am more concerned with whether to keep the Fire fish in one tank for now or move them to another

 

[tlindsey]

whether to keep the Fire fish in one tank for now or move them to another

You could treat keep all of them in for treatment but make sure meds won't kill your live beneficial bacteria in your filter.

 

[2310574388]

And is it possible that fire fish stress them so much that it develop parasite problems?

 

[Deadeye]

IMO unless they’re being fed live foods I’d be suspicious of parasites.
Sounds like stress because of the aulonacara to me. Dempseys are generally skittish for cichlids and are easily intimidated by the more boisterous peacocks.