Think my FH may be sick.. :(

[CuppieCake]

his colors are changing, and his tummy looks bloated to me. but I am a newbie at fish keeping and not sure if the tummy is supposed to look like this.

Here are a couple pictures the first ones are 3-4 weeks ago And his tummy does not look bloated to me.

This one is about 2 weeks ago And his tummy looks bloated to me

And this is one I just took today

and another

Last night his colors seemed to be more blue than gold

I also see he is taking a poop. ( i know how rude of me to photograph that.. lol) So if he is bloated will the poop take care of that?

Thanks for any help

Cuppie

 

[CuppieCake]

Sorry I couldnt edit to add

Tank is 55g it has 8 fish, standard size i think outside measurements are 12x48x16

2 yellow labs
1 electric blue
1 fh
1 eel
1 pleco
1 catfish
1 bottom feeder not sure what it is.

I know that the FH is NOT supposed to be in this tank. But I didnt learn that until after the fact.

 

[Lupin]

What are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? In this case, either feed peas for now or fast for a few days. It could be constipation which either of the two mentioned can rectify. It isn't dropsy/bloat to me.

 

[CuppieCake]

Dont know the nitrate levels or ammonia levels. Dont have a test kit

And by peas, Could I drop a few Green giant frozen peas into the tank? Or are they special peas I need to buy at a fish store?

 

[Lupin]

Please get API test kit and test what I've asked. A liquid test kit will last you a few years provided it doesn't exceed expiration date and is extremely important for cases like this. It costs $24-30 to buy a master test kit by API and worth an investment.

Thaw the peas and remove the shell when you feed it. Do not force the fish if it refuses to eat. Most fish will not accept the food while in this predicament. Failing to coax the fish to eat, lace the peas with garlic and see if it works. If not, fast it for a few days.

 

[CuppieCake]

I plan on getting the test kit, But not till after Spring Break. I learned a long time ago its not wise to go into a pet store with a "flock" of kids..... Takes forever to get out.

He is eating well, swimming fine, chasing around the other fish.

 

[Lupin]

I plan on getting the test kit, But not till after Spring Break. I learned a long time ago its not wise to go into a pet store with a "flock" of kids..... Takes forever to get out.

He is eating well, swimming fine, chasing around the other fish.

I'd still get the test kit. If this is not an option, try eBay or any online sites for the kit.