PufferofDoom

Hello, again.

I have a 55gal tank with several different kinds of fish. Among them I've noticed that my African Cichlid (cachy) isnt doing so good.
Lately hes been just staying at the bottom, and when he tries to moves his whole body wriggles in a snake like fashion. This tank was cycled, and i did 50%er 2 days ago. So the perimeters cant be the problem, as well as my other fish aren't being effected at all if that's the case.
he also seems to have a bloated stomach, im not sure if it is or not, but it appears that way.
So the only thing i can think of at the moment is maybe he might have a parasite. Any ideas?

Shawnie

you say the water "cant " be an issue but do you know the parimeter readings? thats always where to start ...what other fish are with him?

PufferofDoom

the perimeters are fine never the less, Ive just checked them, and they're perfect.
hes with some f8 puffers, a rope fish, a pictus catfish, and a BUNCH of ghost shrimp. So I don't believe tank mates are an issue either.

Shawnie

I respectfully disagree...african cichlids belong in a tank on their own...a puffer and a rope fish dont belong together but deffinately a pictus and rope fish will be issues in the near future...africans never belong with anything but africans....I hope things look up!

PufferofDoom

mmm, I realize that. but at thwe moment the biggest thing in there IS the cichlid, and hes only 3 1/2 inches. So I have some time before I get some issues.

Shawnie

its not a matter of size,(which most think thats the main issue) its a matter of different types of water, subtrates, and total tank parimeters between them all...

Angela_96

One thing that you should watch out for is if anything eats the figure 8 puffer, its a guarenteed death for the fish eating the puffer.

The cichilds really do n eed their own tank, and their water parameters require hard high pH water.