Paradise fish not doing so well...

captmicha

captmicha

Le tired.
Dec 6, 2006
2,052
0
36
39
Maryland, USA
My dad's paradise fish is still super bloated. I tried fasting him, I tried smushed peas, brine shrimp and I also did two tablespoons per 10 gallons of epsom salt but it made no difference.

I did a 75% water change and vacuumed the gravel three days ago. Yesterday and today, I did 25% water changes along with vacuuming the gravel. I'd like to keep it up for 10 days or so. In case you haven't seen any of my other posts, my dad does cleaning about once a month and he has fish get sick and die because of that and not quarantining and also because he over stocks. I only just started cleaning it because I only just convinced him to let me.

I'm not good at diagnosing fish illnesses. I really could use some help here. I think this fish is pale, like more than usual. I'm not sure if it's stomach just bloated up like over night or if it was like this since before we went away for like a week. My dad put in a Tetramin vacation feeder, which was mostly untouched. Nobody seems to be fan except my shrimp... But back on topic here... It's fins seem feathered. It's eyes are sunken and there's a cloudy spot on each. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures but I tried to get the best pics I could.

It has taken to staying near the top of the tank, rather than resting on the bottom like it used to do. It's still aggressive and chases other fish every so often, maybe more than before. Again, I want to put it out there that this is my dad's fish and I don't watch them as closely as my own so I'm not completely sure about how they usually are.

I made an album with pics of the fish since I couldn't get any one perfect pic:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v165/captmicha/Pets/Fish/paradise fish/
 
I would suggest bloat as a possibility. If you say the tank maintenance is so bad, its definitely a poss. or maybe dropsy?
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/fishcare/bigphoto.htm

Also could be fish tuberculosis, or fluid retention. Im not really that knowlegeable about them, but if you research them, and get help from *cough* Lupin* cough*
or someone else I bet they could tell you
 
did he eat the peas? if he did couple that with the epsom treatment and if it were bloat it should be over with. the only thing that could keep bloat going after that would be severe overfeeding and/or very bad water conditions in my opinion.

i am thinking this is internal whether it be parasites or an infection or disease or whatnot. i would quarantine if possible. i am not by any means a fish disease expert though so you will definitely need someone else to diagnose for sure.

for now i would refer to the freshwater disease sticky to see what you can figure out.

here is a link to it... http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169765

you might also want to go through the other stickies in the disease section just in case.
 
I think you're just seeing the end result of fish organ failure due to it living in deteriorating water conditions. It takes a toll on them from the inside out and I don't think there's anything you can do to help him at this point.
 
I agree with Pink, unfortunately. I can see in the last picture, on his left side, the scales sticking out which indicates dropsy.

I don't know if you can do this, but euthanasia is really what he needs now. I'm so sorry. It is so commendable that you are trying to help the fish in your dad's tank.

Poor water quality takes a toll on the fish; their immune systems take a beating, and the toxins in the water ultimately cause kidney failure, and the liver and heart start to shut down, too. Fluid accumulates in the tissues of the body which increases the strain on the already poorly functioning organs.

I can help with instuctions for humane, gentle, stress free (for the fish) euthanasia if you decide to do that.

I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. If your dad will let you help him by doing regular maintenance on his tanks then his fish will be healthier and happier. I'm afraid it's too late for this particular fish.
 
did he eat the peas?
Click to expand...
Yes, he ate a little.

Thanks guys... I'm going to keep it up for a little longer. I'm going to put him in a 2.5 gallon quarantine tank and treat him with Maracyn 1 and 2. At this point, I don't think it matter that I'm trying something so drastic.

Or would Nitrofuracin Green work on this? I have like 50g of it.
 
I would go with the Maracyns. I haven't had experience with the other. Someone may have a better suggestion.

Above all else, keep his water sparking, crystal, clean and pure. No ammonia, no nitrites.

Best wishes in your efforts to save him.
 
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