jen82

Hiya. I need some help trying to diagnosis a problem with my dwarf gourami. Im not sure if its constipation, internal parasites, swim bladder issues or what. I came home today to find my dwarf gourami lying on his side in the corner of the tank. He was breathing rapidly. He seems to be having trouble swimming, like swim bladder maybe. There was no external marks on him, apart from his tail fin was a little shredded but that may have been done after he was on his side. He is now in my hospital tank. I have not treated yet as I dont know what this is. He is still on his side and breathing rapidily. Please help if you can. My 2 dwarfs were the first two fish I got for this tank. They are favourite babies.Any help would be great, also I can give anymore info you need. Readings are ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 15. I know dwarf gouramis are labrinyth fish. Can i reduce the water level to help him get to the surface. Thanks in advance.

cerianthus

According to your profile, tank has been continuously running for 3 yrs.
Before anything, can you simply check pH?
How high is the tank? You can put fish into floating fish trap (holes are must for circulation) so less pressure bearing down on fish.
How long was DG in tank?
Sorry for all the questions but trying to understand the situation.

jen82

Tank is just over 3 years old, and I got him just after the tank cycled. He was about an inch big when I got him. PH 7.1 and has been stable at this for life of tank as well. I dont have a fish box. I do have a few of the bags you buy fish in. Im worried he cant get to surface. Thanks for replying.

cerianthus

You have kept DG over 3 yrs? You have done well taking care of your fish, IMHO. Anyway since it is not pH or other readings, Perhaps reached max life expectancy? Wether it has or not, it is difficult to say.
You can make your own contraption using clear plastic jar with lots of holes for circulation and tie fishing line to rim so you can hold the jar on top.
Did its colors faded or as colorful? Any pics?
Hope DG recovers soon!

jen82

Sadly the little guy died during the night. He eat a little food and then just lay back down and eventually just stopped breathing. I sat with him until 2am (Things we do for our babies hey)Still not sure what exactly was wrong. As no one else in the tank is ill and all readings are fine I am guessing old age or he was attacked. Thanks for your help.

haedra

I'm sorry for your loss.

agabr123

i'm sorry you lost him three years is a wonderful life for a gourami.

jen82

Now knowing 3 years is a long time is making me feel a lot better. Thanks everyone.