Coffey5030

Right behind my pearl gouramis' gills look bloated. He hasn't eaten in days. any ideas?

Tsunami35

My dwarf gourami had a similar problem, it got very bloated, its scales started protruding, and it couldnt swim very well. I never figured out exactly what was wrong with it before it dies, but i think it either had malawi bloat or some gourami diease that i read about. Do you have a quarantine tank for it? if nothing else add some aquarium salt to the tank and make sure its well aerated. maybe someone else can make a suggestion for a medication. Just dont use melafix or pimafix!!

Alessa

OMG... it might be Gourami iridovirus...

I dont want to alarm you but... you should read this:
Dwarf Guorami, Bettas and Iridovirus

I hope hes just bloated... in which case you shoud try to change some water and feed him less often with freeze dried daphnia...

COBettaCouple

I'd guess internal parasites. They can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating and even dropsy.

It's most likely not that iridovirus, it attacks much quicker. Parasite Clear or Clout tablets would be good after a 50% water change and if you can add garlic guard, fish protector and/or vita-chem those will help.

For food, you might try Hikari freeze-dried daphnia.

Coffey5030

This fish is still bloated, still not eating. It has been over a week and I cannot belive he is still alive. I bought a 10g tank that i will use as a hospital/quarentine tank. What is the amount of salt I should use. I am assuming you mean iodized table salt.

Coffey5030

scratch that. no table salt. disregard that last question

COBettaCouple

Have you tried either of those anti-parasitic meds?

Shawnie

gourami's are Labyrinth fish and CANNOT tolerate salt of any kind...as CBC recommended would be best to try...

richard7467

my guess is that one of fourthings 1. could be constipated peas or daphinia can clear this but his not eating! (hmm tough one) 2.dropsy! if he has you have to treat it quickly or it will die 3.internal bacteria (my gouramies had this treated it and it went away fine now they spawn on a regular basis 4. if its a female it may just be full of eggs if so buy another female and add a male (if you have room)......remember some medicines cant be used together quarantine and try something thats my advice..good luck if its any help my female dwarfs always seem plump this is normal for the female although i do keep a very close eye on them.

Coffey5030

2 weeks of not eating and multiple medications later.....death.
I do appreciate the help though. Thank you

COBettaCouple

I'm sorry that you lost him.