underwatergirl

I've had a parrot cichld for 8 years and just recently has displayed some very odd behavior. He had a mate until 2 weeks ago when she passed. A few days ago, I thought he passed too...on the bottom of the tank, on his side, not moving...until I put the net in and all of a sudden started swimming around. Sleeping? Made a fool out of me again the next night. He was only doing this when the room was dark...until today when daylight still lit the room. I sit and watch him, sometimes he's almost upside down, gills are moving, eyes too. Then he starts swimming. Does anybody know about this kind of behavior and maybe why it just started? Just getting old? Or diseased?

Then there's the other issue of him skimming off the gravel and ornaments which started today. I had introduced a mature pleco into the tank a few days ago, but before I had, I started using a UV Sterilizer to help prevent the "nasties" that new fish can bring. No visible signs on cichlid. Water quality all in acceptable ranges, use a marineland canister filter. I will be honest, I don't do water changes as frequently as I should. Because of the scratching, I started treatment of Maracide and Maracyn TC tonight.

Any thoughts? I'd really not like to lose my old man.

aquarist48

I had an elderly Bloody Parrot that went through a mating cycle for about 2 weeks. The papilla never retracted back to where it should be. Instead it swelled like you wouldn't believe. He started swimming oddly(more so than usual) and passed away after a few more days. He was also about 8 years old. It was truly a sad loss. Best of luck.

agabr123

welcome to fishlore

i'm sorry to hear about your parrot, but it sounds like you're giving him a wonderful long life i think your guy may just be getting old, but i'd just keep your water as pristine as possible and keep a close watch on him.