Black Widow

[elmo]

Hi last night i noticed that my black widow tetra had become very fat and breathing very quickly. None of the other fish in the tank have a problem and it seems to be eating fine and keeping his balance when swimming. However this morning he was hiding in the plants. What could be wrong with him? Please help as one of my corys died last night too.
pH, nitrate, nitrites and ammonia are all fine water temp 26oC

 

[njparton]

Sounds like an internal parasite of bacteria.

Try an off the shelf remedy from your LFS. If you have a 2nd tank, remove the sick fish and treat it separately or treat the whole tank.

 

[WILDER]

Try a shelled pea to make sure the fish isn't constipated first, what does it look like when the fish goes to the toilet, the heavy breathing isn't sounding to good, the gills are not red inflamed are they or pale, is the fish flicking and rubbing against objects.

 

[elmo]

Try a shelled pea to make sure the fish isn't constipated first, what does it look like when the fish goes to the toilet, the heavy breathing isn't sounding to good, the gills are not red inflamed are they or pale, is the fish flicking and rubbing against objects.

Good point, I’ve never actually seen him go, but then I haven't looked! I have to go to my LFS so I’ll see what I can see for him.
He is still breathing fast but there is no redness around his gills he isn't flicking or rubbing either

 

[WILDER]

You won't need a med if it's constipation, just shelled peas,can you post water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, just to make sure it isn't bad water quality with the heavy breathing.

 

[elmo]

I have tried him with a shelled pea but he showed no interest however when I gave the fish some frozen blood worm I think he took most of it he has no loss of appetite at all! Unfortunately I am at work but the stats where check weds night and those results were
pH 7
ammonia 0
Can’t remember what the nitrates and nitrites were but I know they were low
water temp 26oc

Is it possible that he is just a fat fish?

 

[WILDER]

I have a few tubbys, but there tummys don't look swollen, does your fish look swollen or bloated.

 

[elmo]

It's hard to tell he just looks fat. My main concern is his breathing it is so fast and now one of my red-eyed tetra has started breathing really fast to.
Water stats

pH 6.5
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 5
Nitrites 0.1

Water Temp 26oC

They are both eating fine and are active I just don' know what it could be.

 

[WILDER]

Try a water change as you have a slight reading in nitrites, can you say how many gallons is the tank, plus what fish and which type.

 

[elmo]

I was doing a bit of research last night and tired adding some more water safe if my chloride levels may have been to high, I also turned up the filter and they both are breathing a lot more steadily.
They are still fat tried them again with peas again but nothing just not interested think they are both just tubby! However I do think that I have been over feeding so I am going to cut back on their food.