CAS512

hi everyone,

i need some help with one of my loaches. he's acting really weird like he has no energy to swim. he'll swim a little bit then just sit on the bottom and then he'll tilt over on his side, most of the times he'll put himself back up and swim a little further but the other times he'll just lay there on his side. his colour hasnt faded or anything.
can someone explain to me if he's sick and going to die?

agabr123

do you have recent test readings? has he been refusing to eat? do any of your other fish look sick? when did you get him? have you added any new fish that weren't quarantined?

sorry for all the questions but it will help the members figure out what's wrong with your loach

Mike19

Is it a clown loach?

usually clown loaches will tilt on their side and look dead/sick its normal for them to increase activity they should be in groups of 4-5+ although with size constraint in most aquarium i advise against boosting the numbers unless adequate room can be provided for them. Also water parameters are required as the above poster mentioned.

Edit: YoYo loach forum, the same may apply prefers groups

CAS512

Yes i just did a water test and the readings are:

ammonia: 0.6
nitrite: 0.1
nitrate: 5

none of the other fish look sick. i've had him for about 4 months or longer (not 100% sure) and i recently added a bristlenose but she keeps to herself, does that make a difference?

CAS512

no not a clown loach, he's a yo-yo and i have 2 yo-yo's

Butterfly

Loaches are extremely sensitive to water quality. I see you have a bit of Ammonia and Nitrites. I would strongly suggest a significant water change.
Keep us posted please.
Carol

CAS512

is it going to be too late though cos he's hardly moving at all, he keeps going on his side and curling his tail around so it looks like he's dead, but then a fish swims near him and he moves.

Butterfly

The water change needs to be done anyway. The ammonia and Nitrites will adversely affect all the fish especially the loaches.
CArol