My Fish Is Floating Vertically Please Help

[Amanda92]

My powder blue dwarf gourami, Yondu, is floating vertically in one spot. He's breathing but not moving. I don't know what's wrong or what to do. Please help he's my oldest and most favorite fish.

 

[TexasDomer]

Can you give us some more info?

Tank size and tank mates?

Water parameters? pH, temp, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates

How much do you feed and how often?

 

[Amanda92]

The tank is 55 gallons
In the tank I have Yondu, 6 guppies, 6 neon tetras, and a nitrite snail.
The temp is 78F/25C
Ph is 7.6
Ammonia is 0ppm
Nitrite is 0ppm
Nitrates is 5ppm
I feed a pinch of tropical fish flakes once a day in the morning. Occasionally ( about once every 2-3 weeks) I substitute the flakes for blood worms, again feeding a pinch. They eat all the food in about 3-5 minutes. I change about 20-25% of the water every sunday.

 

[TexasDomer]

Are the bloodworms freeze dried? If so, do you soak them before feeding?

I would fast the entire tank for a few days, then feed them all deshelled, blanched peas - that might help if it's bloat or a swim bladder issue.

 

[buttertart]

Are his fins clamped? His behavior could be a sign of a much more serious problem. Just watch him and his tank mates closely for ick or any other kind of parasite. Maybe try a partial water change and some aquarium salt?

 

[TexasDomer]

I would not add salt to the whole tank, personally. Some fish and plants are sensitive to salt.

 

[buttertart]

Alright. Hope he makes it!

 

[Amanda92]

Sorry for not responding sooner, unfortunately when I woke up Saturday morning he had passed. Everyone else in the tank seems to be healthy but I will continue keeping a close eye on them. Thank you to everyone who tried to help. I really appreciate it.

 

[TexasDomer]

I'm sorry you lost him!

 

[75g Discus Tank]

I’m sorry about your loss.

It seemed that he had a good home.