Dwarf Fire Gourami Started Fading Color Then Started Turning Black

I have had my dwarf fire gourami for about 3 months now and his color started to fade. He’s been laying at the bottom of the tank trying to right himself and hasn’t been eating. He was shy at first and then would greet me when I sat down by the tank. He hasn’t been able to do that anymore. Yesterday we noticed he started to get a black blotchy streak on his side around his head. This morning the Black has covered his top fins and he’s laying on his side even more. It breaks my heart to see him like this. My water parameters are PH 7, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 80 ish. I’ve been trying to lower the nitrates and haven’t been able to get them under 40. Have been doing water changes and have two HOB filters.
I also have a 75 gallon tank I’ve been slowly moving my fish to but wanted to make sure it was fully cycled before doing so. Now not I’m afraid that whatever has made the Gourami sick might affect the rest of the fish in the 29 gallon. Non are acting as if they are ill though.




I have a 29 gallon tank
1 dwarf fire gourami
With 3 cories
8 neon tetras
Golden algae eater
2 plaques
And fry

 

Sounds like Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus. I had 2 die of it. No more DG for me.
If it is, there is no cure for it. I am sorry for the bad news.
It won't or shouldn't affect other fish.

 

Could be DGIV as mention, but it could be a few other things as well. If it is DGIV, it won't spread to other fish.

Can you test your tap water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? 80 ppm nitrates is too high, and can eventually affect the health of your fish.

As a side note, your golden algae eater is likely a Chinese algae. They get large and aggressive, and stop eating algae. I'd rehome him if I were you.

 

Please euthanise it. Nothing you can do.

 

Could be DGIV as mention, but it could be a few other things as well. If it is DGIV, it won't spread to other fish.

Can you test your tap water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? 80 ppm nitrates is too high, and can eventually affect the health of your fish.

As a side note, your golden algae eater is likely a Chinese algae. They get large and aggressive, and stop eating algae. I'd rehome him if I were you.

My tap is 0 nitrites, 0 ammonia, 5.0 nitrates, 7.6 PH I tested this just out of curiosity. I tested my tap at the beginning of November and they all read 0. I’m glad I checked again now though.

Thank you yes he is a Chinese or Siamese algae eater and I didn’t find out how big they can get until he was already home. My neighbor is planning on taking him once their newer tank is fully cycled. They keep semI to aggressive species of fish. Thank you though for the advise.

 

Siamese algae eater is something different, by the way.

 

The sign at the store and receipt says golden Siamese algae eater. I know they can still get to be a big size. But back to my Gourami do you think my nitrates could be what has made him ill or the DGIV?

 

Please euthanise it. Nothing you can do.

Being a beginner I have not yet had to do this. Is there a method that is painless you recommend? I know some vets can do it.

 

Being a beginner I have not yet had to do this. Is there a method that is painless you recommend? I know some vets can do it.

Clove-oil (or a blast on the head)