kassy

I have a 3 ft tank containing 3 silver dollars, 3 lace gourami, an algeae eater and a molly. This morning i noticed that my female silver dollar looks red around the bottom of her gills. She is breathing and acting normally. I did a partial ( 1/6th of the tank water) water change 6 days ago and cleaned the filter sponge and do them approx 2 weekly (same routine always used. Theyve been in the aquarium for 8 months and 1 year before that in our old house. The ammonia levels are 0 and pH is 6.6 - 6.8. Tempreture is 24 degrees. They get fish flakes and wafers. There are real and fake plants in the tank. I recently had some algae growth in the tank which has now cleared up. Any ideas?

aquarist48

Hello Kassy and Welcome to Fish Lore! My first thought would have been ammonia issues but since you've tested and showing 0 ammonia we'll rule that out. What type of test kit are you using? Liquid or strips? The reason I ask is because the strips can be unreliable compared to the liquid test kits.

My second thought. The Silver Dollars may be displaying the red under their gills as a sign of "it's time to spawn". I've noticed it a time or two on mine. Too, they will also turn black or have black spots on their bodies at mating time as well.

If the fish is breathing normally and acting normally then I don't think I would worry too much at this point. As long as the fish is eating, swimming around, not losing any weight it might just be having mood swings and changing colors. Keep your eyes on things

Best of luck and keep us posted.
Ken

kassy

Thank you for your quick reply ken. I am using liquid tests. I did wonder if it was a mating thing as the female was the only 1 with the red gills and the males are fine. Was just worried as ive had them 4 a while and am quite fond of them. All else is well with them, i will keep you posted. Thanks again.

aquarist48

Glad to help kassy. I'm sure you'll get some more responses as more people start waking up. It's about 6am here I hope you enjoy the site.
Ken

Lifesabeach

Hey kassy - Welcome to Fishlore. Have nothing to add to Ken's response, except that I'm on 'normal' time here They're all a few hours behind over there!