Very Old Fire Eel health problem

[Hurricanexxx96]

I have a Fire eel that is about 24-25 inch,

I have had it for 8-10 years, I got it when it was already 14'' Roughly and has always been my fave fish and always in great health, Hand feed able.


over the last little while he has become ill and stays in a curved shape head facing down and has trouble swimming, Possibly blind as well.


No externals markings or sites to note, Still eats, Sometimes breaths heavy. A little white on the belly from rubbing against a log but nothing out of the ordinary. I've tried Quick cure and some other common meds but nothing has made a difference, The other tank makes, Geophagus W. and a flag tail and some clown loaches are all fine as well no signs of illness or strange behaviours

water parameters are great and ph is 7.6 @ 78 degree
sand substrate with some drift wood and a Pvc Tube he fits in
2 Fx5's on a 130 gal

thanks for you time and help

 

[kno4te]

Could you post a vid of it with trouble swimming. Could be from trauma if it’s staying in a fixed position or swim bladder.

If it’s from trauma then not much can be done. If it’s a swim bladder issue then some parasitic and Epsom salt/abx may help.

 

[Hurricanexxx96]

I will try and see if I can get a vid. Pictures may have to do with a good description


Side note : all his fins move but he seems not curl the other way, But when he does move around his entire body moves but near middle seems to not work as well or always is the part that's facing up highest

Will try to get pics after work

 

[Audaxcity]

Sounds like it could be a spinal deformity. Tuberculosis maybe? Not that uncommon.