Angelfish with clamped tail

[Lukara]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me out with my angelfish. He has been alone in a 10 gallon quarantine tank for a bit over 3 weeks. When I approach the tank he swims up actively to me and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him. When I watch him from a distance to see what his behaviour is like without distracting him he seems pretty subdued/inactive, stays facing the rear glass of the aquarium and clamps his tail while fluttering his pectoral fins. When it's feeding time, he seems interested and takes the food in his mouth, but then he spits it out often. In the end I'd say he eats 50% of the food. This isn't normal is it? Is the fish sick? Does anyone know what the problem could be?

I have other angelfish in another quarantine tank and they are completely the opposite. They are extremely active and race to eat anything that I drop into the tank.

The water parameters for the fish which I suspect is sick are:
GH 2.2
KH 1.7
PH 7.0
Nitrites 0
Ammonia 0
Nitrates 0-5ppm
Temp 84 degrees
10 gallon completely bare quarantine tank

 

[victimizati0n]

The temperature seems WAY too high in the tank (unless your medicating it), a temp around 78 degrees would be essential.

Also, try feeding it bloodworm's, or tubifex worms and see if it eats those.

 

[JSchmidt]

My angels are messy eaters, too. Illness can't be ruled out, but one thing that's worthy of mention: angels seem to be stressed when in a bare tank. Mine love to hde amongst plants and they seem to act uncomfortable when in a tank with no place to hide.

Might help to throw in a tall plant or two..


Jim

 

[PumaWard]

The higher temp could be the thing stimulating him to eat if he's sick. I would leave it where it is until you're sure the fish is okay. High temps seem to be a good quarintine measure for new fish which can handle it. Angels can take 86F with ease so I don't think that this is the problem, especially if it's a young one.

I agree with the others that he may not like the BB thing, I would throw a clump of java moss in and a sword/aponogeton or something similiar. Or some plastic plants.

If he comes to great you, that's a good sign. Really sick/unhappy angels won't budge much. You may also want to add some simple dithers such as guppies, they might raise his activity also.


HTH

 

[Lukara]

Thank you for your replies

I have added a few plastic plants and got a little more aeration going on my bubbler. He seemed to be more active and clamped his tail much less even hours after these changes. I gave him some brine shrimp at feeding time and he ate everything, not only 50% like he was doing with the flakes, so I'm happy about that. I think I will put another fish in there so see if this makes a difference. First I'll monitor him for the next few days in case a more concrete sign of illness comes up. Again, thanks so much for your advice!