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About Lynda
Expertise
I can help you with cichlids, african cichlids, betta fish. I have bred most of them, including the Discus, and Angel Fish, and Rams. I have also bred many african cichlids. I have bred bettas too...well I am a fish nut! I can help you with most diseases, and have experience in setting up a tank. I can tell you tricks on keeping your water alkaline without products. I also speak and write french. I have experience with salt water fish, but would rather not get into that field. Please when writing to me, give me detailed information. The size of your tank, your water chemistry, etc. The more I know, the more I can help you. I cannot guess at what you have, so please give me information and I will do my outmost to help you with any question you ask me. Please do not ask me questions on Goldfish, mollies, platies, and guppies. Lynda

Experience
I have worked in Petshops in the fish department...was Manager in two...and alot of my experience came from my home where I had 26 aquariums from 20 gallons to 200 gallons.

Publications
I have a MSN group but it has nothing to do with fish

Education/Credentials
I have finished high school, and went to college, in accounting

Past/Present Clients
Too many to mention

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > Cichlid disease?

Fish - Cichlid disease?

Expert: Lynda - 11/8/2009

Question
My African Cichlid tank is having fish die off. I have had ~1 fish die per week for the last month. The tank is a 65 and is well established. All levels are optimal, PH is 7.8-8.0, Ammonia/nitrite/nitrate OK, temp 76F.

Currently I have noticed that 2 of the fish have a distorted shape along their jawline. They look like they are breathing harder than the rest of the fish. It doesn't look like they are closing the gill plates. When they eat, they spit up their food.

For the time being, I have hospitalized the 2 sick looking fish. I have added ~1 tbsp of salt and a copper treatment to the tank. The fish are swimming in a normal way.

The fish that died earlier seemed to be taken very quickly.

Is this a parasite? Thyroid? Some disease?

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Hello,
It is hard for me to tell. The only thing that comes to mind is oxygen. Are they having enough oxygen? Your filter should splash water down into your tank water causing movement all over the tank. Adding an air stone would help circulate the water. Never fill your tank to the top. Leave a space, so that the water from your filter splashes down into your tank. If this is not the reason, then it could be viral. Sometimes fish die, with no apparent reason, and it remains a mystery. Since all your water chemistry is safe, and the PH is also right, I can't think of anything else at the moment.
Lynda

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