Frantic Cory drowning?

I have a few false juliI Cory's that I added yesterday. The others are grazing and swimming normally but one keeps darting to the surface. Problem is that he can't reach, he makes it to about an inch below the surface then swims back down. My other Cory's reach the surface without a problem. He is doing this over and over and I'm worried. Any advice?

 

The tank is the same height as a 10 gallon and all water parameters are healthy and normal.

 

Do you have an air stone? Corys can absorb air through their stomachs which is why he is shooting to the surface. Is he doing anything else abnormal?

 

I have multiple cories, and from what I know/have seen, they will swim up and down the sides just for fun! They don't have to breathe from the surface, but every once and a while will dash to the top then back down. However, if they are continuously going and gulping air, there may not be enough oxygen in the tank, if this is case do a water change. Sometimes, they will gulp the air no matter what, and I've found any that do this die the next day or so. Unless someone says otherwise, I wouldn't be too worried! Does he look like he is struggling to get to surface, but something won't let him(ie: dog that's tied to tree trying to get at mailman across street...)? If this is the case, I may be worried.. Otherwise, he sounds fine to me! Good luck on your new fish(love the false julii's!)

 

One more question.. in your profile it says the tank is still cycling and you have ammonia/nitrite present. Is this as of today? This could also be why..

 

It makes a mad dash for the surface and it almost looks like he is fighting the current and it eventually pulls him down before he can reach the surface. I was afraid the filter was too strong (it makes my fake plants only sway a tiny bit at the top) but then I saw the other Cory had no problem reaching the surface the first time around. This struggling Cory does look like he's breathing hard. I have an air stone around somewhere which I'll add as soon as I find it.

 

What are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? It may also be a good idea to baffle the filter if he is weak from being sick or something.

Are they in your cycling 10 gallon? They need any least 20 gallon LONG and a cycled tank, corys can be fairly sensitive.

 

My profile isn't updated. My tank is cycled.

 

Drop the water level a couple inches see if that helps him.

 

Ok thanks guys