Sick robertsoni..stumped on this one

[cichlidfish]

About 3 weeks ago my old robertsoni stopped eating and started swimming funny (see pic). She is swimming vertically. I did notice some larger white pits forming, so I treated her for HITH. She is healing up from the HITH and is eating now. But she really struggles to find the food. With HITH, I have never seen any fish swimming like this. Something else is wrong
Any ideas? I have her in my hospital tank.

 

[dan518]

How old is she again?
Looks like it could be a swim bladder infection.

 

[Rocksor]

It looks like a swimming bladder issue, which could be caused by a bacterial infection. I had a peacock bass, which was tilted with the head up and trouble swimming. I figured it was swimming bladder issue. I treated with Methylene Blue, Seachem Kanaplex, and Epsom salt (1 tablespoon for every 5 gallons) for 1 week. The fish was not fed during this period.

 

[dan518]

Also most old fish the kidneys are the first to go from what I have read.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Sorry to see she's not doing so well Steve.
I know you have had that fish a long time.
Do you think it could be just old age?
I can't remember how old you said she is but I seem to recall you saying she was 11 years old.
Maybe her swim bladder has given up.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
I would tag RD in to the thread,he may be your best bet for a diagnosis.
Good luck.

 

[cichlidfish]

Thanks everyone

I've had her for 11 years, so she maybe a little older. Swim bladder infection makes sense.

RD. -For any suggestions on as Darren suggested.

Rocksor -thanks for the treatment info. I have epsom salt now. I can start that. I just did a water change.

 

[Hendre]

Close to as old as me! Hope it recovers from this

 

[RD.]

Agree with pretty much everything posted thus far. Could be old age issues, treatment for bacterial infection is also how I would proceed. Just an FYI - Kanamycin (Seachem Kanaplex) works best in hard water. Not sure as to what is best for softer water.

 

[duanes]

Also believe it may be old age, a 10 year old cichlid in comparison, is like a 100 year old human

 

[cichlidfish]

Agree with pretty much everything posted thus far. Could be old age issues, treatment for bacterial infection is also how I would proceed. Just an FYI - Kanamycin (Seachem Kanaplex) works best in hard water. Not sure as to what is best for softer water.

Thanks, will give this a try.