60 Gallon Tank Parrot swimming strangely

I just changed into a new tank yesterday, a 60 gallon from a 40 gallon. My large parrot cichlid has been swimming in this strange, vertically circular motion in one area of the tank, swimming on the side in a section of the circle. If I go up to the tank, it still swims over to greet me and happily accepts food. It seems somewhat bloated on the bottom and has some red streaks on his fins and a few small red spots on its body, but it has always had those. I don't know why, I regularly test water parameters and I keep nitrates below 40 always. I feel like it can't be hemorrhagic septicemia because it's had these small blood spots and streaks for months now, and its eating fine - if it was septicemia, wouldn't it be really dying by now?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

I just changed into a new tank yesterday, a 60 gallon from a 40 gallon. My large parrot cichlid has been swimming in this strange, vertically circular motion in one area of the tank, swimming on the side in a section of the circle. If I go up to the tank, it still swims over to greet me and happily accepts food. It seems somewhat bloated on the bottom and has some red streaks on his fins and a few small red spots on its body, but it has always had those. I don't know why, I regularly test water parameters and I keep nitrates below 40 always. I feel like it can't be hemorrhagic septicemia because it's had these small blood spots and streaks for months now, and its eating fine - if it was septicemia, wouldn't it be really dying by now?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

I think it could be swim blatter. Can I see a pic? I would fast him for 2 days and then feed him boiled peas.

 

The pic doesn't really show anything - I can't get it clear enough. He does have a bit of fin rot. He is eating less excitedly than usual, though. It seems like he might be scratching against things? He doesn't do this often but every now and then he swims really close to something and brushes against it.

He had internal parasites a few months ago that I was able to treat with metroplex. The scratching and somewhat loss of appetite makes me think that it might be parasites again. On the other hand, could the fin rot mean bacteria? Or just stress-induced? Last time, he had a secondary bacterial infection as well but it was treated with just melafix. I'm thinking of isolating him and doing some ParaGuard/Melafix treatment. What do you think?

Thanks for the reply?

 

A few thoughts, though I'm having a hard time visualizing the swimming. I love parrots but they have a weird body shape that, like goldfish, can sometimes cause swimming problems, especially if they gulp too much air. Mine is goofy and does strange things sometimes.

I would not use a paracide. Occasional brushing against plants may be cleared up with a little salt, which also helps replace electrolytes lost with stress.

He probably didn't have a bacterial infection previously, since Melafix has no effect on them, according to this study: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275258014_Laboratory_evaluation_of_safety_and_efficacy_for_MELAFIXR_melaleuca_cajuputi_extract

Raggedy fins are almost always stress-related and just need clean fresh water, low stress, low lighting, and good (sinking) food. Good luck.

 

Is it constantly looking struggling to swim if so it could be swim bladder but if he is just swimming vertically in one area of the tank it could just be him being goofy. My parrot will swim normally then he will swim vertically in the corner of the tank. He has been healthy his whole life so it’s not a problem for mine at least

 

I've decided to just give him some time. I think he's fine, honestly. What are the best foods for parrots in your guys' opinion? I'm happy with the Omega One pellets (I've tried other pellets and he just won't touch them) and I currently feed freeze-dried brine shrimp here and there, which he also seems to enjoy. I wouldn't mind adding some more variety to his diet, however.