My Flowerhorn Cant Swim Properly

hey I got my flowerhorn about 2 months ago and he has always rested on the bottom of the tank and he never stays swimming like what my other fish usually do. He just stays on the bottom until he thinks I’m gonna feed him and then he swims around the top of the tank until I feed him or until he realises that I’m not feeding him. After a month or so I was a bit worried and researched about him and what he could have but nothing really gave me a definitive answer so I decided to have a closer look to see if he has any visual issues. That’s when I saw his left fin was crossing over to the right side and it looked like it was broken or deformed. Is there anyway I can maybe help him out or fix him? He is still eating and doesn’t look stressed but just want him to be able to swim when ever he wants. Can someone please help me out??

 

You need to put a photo on if possible iam not sure myself but it would be a great help for anyone who can help you

 

You need to put a photo on if possible iam not sure myself but it would be a great help for anyone who can help you

Okay thanks, Yeah I will attach some photos of my blue/ black flowerhorn.

 

Okay thanks, Yeah I will attach some photos of my blue/ black flowerhorn.

I will also attach some of my other flowerhorn so you can compare.

 

A twisted ventral points to a genetic issue - however it shouldn't hamper his swimming. Are they in the same tank?
The one that doesn't swim may feel he has no territory and is hiding as a result.

 

A twisted ventral points to a genetic issue - however it shouldn't hamper his swimming. Are they in the same tank?
The one that doesn't swim may feel he has no territory and is hiding as a result.

They are in the same tank but separated by barriers as it it a grow out tank for when they get bigger we will transfer them to a bigger tank. When we got him from the fish store he used to swim around and be really active and then for a few seconds he would rest at the bottom and then swim again. He doesn’t seem to use his bottom fins at all. And sometimes he even starts to tip over when he rest on the bottom and usually always to one side. ( the side where both fins at pointing.)

 

Ive been doing a little research and it seems the pectoral fins are used to aid side to side motion and also act as a break to help the fish stop from going forward, just like canards on a jet plane now if I had no breaks I'd be afraid of going forward, if that makes any sence

 

Ive been doing a little research and it seems the pectoral fins are used to aid side to side motion and also act as a break to help the fish stop from going forward, just like canards on a jet plane now if I had no breaks I'd be afraid of going forward, if that makes any sence

Pectoral fins are the ones on the side of the fish, the ventrals fins aren't used for this (they are used for signaling, displays, and similar motions, but fish do not normally use them for swimming), his brakes are fine.

They are in the same tank but separated by barriers as it it a grow out tank for when they get bigger we will transfer them to a bigger tank. When we got him from the fish store he used to swim around and be really active and then for a few seconds he would rest at the bottom and then swim again. He doesn’t seem to use his bottom fins at all. And sometimes he even starts to tip over when he rest on the bottom and usually always to one side. ( the side where both fins at pointing.)

It sounds like he doesn't want to swim, he may feel shy due to lack of cover (it looks a little bare in the two pictures you posted), I would try adding more cover to make him feel comfortable. I would also give him some parasite meds to make sure he isn't feeling bad on the inside (he looks healthy, but a med course won't hurt either of them, I would suggest making up food with the meds in it or soaked in it that way you don't have to treat the whole tank - add some garlic juice to the mix to make him more interested in keeping the med flavored food down).

 

I’ve added some primafix and melafix and what would u suggest I add to the tank to improve his cover ? I could added some live plants?

 

I’ve added some primafix and melafix and what would u suggest I add to the tank to improve his cover ? I could added some live plants?

 

I would add a couple taller plants that go to the surface or near the surface, it will give it a jungle like effect but won't disrupt your look. Fake plants are fine, he likely would tear up any live plants.
One large one in the back corner opposite of the other green one and one closer to the front should work.

 

I would add a couple taller plants that go to the surface or near the surface, it will give it a jungle like effect but won't disrupt your look. Fake plants are fine, he likely would tear up any live plants.
One large one in the back corner opposite of the other green one and one closer to the front should work.

Okay thanks for your help I’ll add them straight away as we have some spair and let you know how it works.