mlinden84

This morning, much to my horror, my female yellow lab. cichlid was practically dead... She wasn't trying to swim, just drifting in the current, and didn't even try to swim away when I netted her. It's clear she has been beat up by some of the other cichlids in the tank (although last night she was fine when I shut off the lights) she has barely any of her tail left, and red marks on the back 1/3 of her body. I moved her into the 10 gallon that I was setting up for one of my new bettas.
Is there anything I can do to save her? Any medications to help? Or is it just something that has to heal? I've got a few medications on hand, and I will also be going "into town" today so I can pick some things up. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Drea

poor baby. Ciclids can be so rough with each other. My only thought would be to add some stress coat. Glad you had a safe place for her. I'm sure some of the gurus here will jump on this...good luck, take care

mlinden84

Thanks for the quick reply! I do have stress coat, so I will add some to the tank right now.
I'm just glad I happened to check out the tank today before I left, I doubt she would have made it through the day in the big tank. The fish always chase each other, but this is the first time anything like this has happened (and the first time any of my fish have been visibly hurt like this!!)
Shes in a nice warm cycled 10 gallon tank right now, hovering in the corner under a rock. I really hope she makes it!

Gozer_1

Well, I hope your fish is doing better soon. Some species will attack and kill their own when one gets weak, sick or injured. One tiny scrath on a pirahna and the others will devour it. (for example) I've seen Blue\Green Chromis do the same in a Saltwater tank. Could be one fish got a little rough and drew blood. From there the others may have gone after it very aggressively.

Good luck with fishy rehab. TLC is the key!!!!

mlinden84

Here's some pictures. She's just laying on the gravel. Not breathing heavy, but not really moving.

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	Picture 017.jpg (66.5 KB, 18 views)

Drea

Yea, she's probably resting up, and since her tail is is lacking size, she probably doesn't feel like she can swim that easily. She probably already feels better being by herself. You did great getting her separated...she's just going to need tlc and support. I can't think of anything else now, but more FF comments are coming soon I'm sure....

Gozer_1

She looks like she is doing ok considering the circumstances. As long as she's swimming upright she's probably doing well. The Stress Coat will certainly help her feel better.

mlinden84

Well thanks for your help! I'm so worried! She didn't even try to swim away when I caught her with the net (usually i have to take all the rocks out of the tank to even attempt to catch them).
I am thinking about finding new homes for a few of the bullies... I don't want them doing this to each other again!

Allie

Melafix works wonder on african cichlids....aquarium salt too.

Allie

Who are the bullies? What species?

mlinden84

Who aren't the bullies? The electric blue johannis (not sure if thats spelled right), the male socolofi, the male yellow lab... really just all the boys. I'm seriously thinking about getting rid of the males and keeping the females that I have.

Of course I'm out of melafix, but I will pick some up this afternoon. I will add some salt to the tank, wasnt sure if it would help or hurt. Thanks for your help!

mlinden84

What about increasing the heat? Will that help at all? its at 79 now.

Gozer_1

79 is good. I'd leave it there.

mlinden84

Unfortunately last night the poor little girl died. She just took too much a beating... nasty little buggers...

Gozer_1

I'm sorry to hear it. You did all you could do.

Drea

So sorry, Michelle...you did what you could and atleast little lab didn't have to struggle to the end. Sending hugs your way

mlinden84

I had originally posted a big long post early sat. morning, but it was lost when the site crashed.

I just wish I could have done more for her, I felt so helpless looking at her fighting to breathe and just laying there.

I've still trying to decide if I am going to get rid of the cichlids and go to a community tank, or if I will get rid of the ones causing problems.

Drea

I know what you are going through, I tried keeping ciclids, they were too much of a challenge. My last yellow lab, I adopted to a good LFS and he got purchased the same day. I am happy with my 2 tanks. Go with your instincts to decide