Clown Loach Turning Black

[Lorna]

Hi, my clown loach is becoming very dark in colour all over esp the head, He is rarely swimming at all and struggling to stay on his belly. He is falling to his side or on his back. He doesnt want to eat even when the food is right in front of him. His pals are fine and swimming everywhere and havent gone dark at all. Is this a prob with his swim bladder?
If it is I take it there is nothing I can do for him is there?

Thnx everyone have an awesome day, Lorna

 

[mark.w.jones]

Post symptoms in Tropical Fish Emergency forum. Sounds like a swim bladder probem to me. Not very treatable I'm afraid if it is. Poor water quailty can be a cause so improving this can help.

What is your current stock? Tank size? maintainance regime? Feeding schedule?

as these can all be a factor in water quality.

Your best bet for now is to isolate him in shallower water to see if he recovers. If there is no signs of recovery within 7 days then euthanisia is the most humane next step.

The other possibility is constipation. Usually caused by poor diet and over feeding. You should only feed your fish once a day with just enough food to be completely eaten in less than a minute. Only feed 6 days a week and leave them to have a scavenging day. Try to vary food types through the week. Obviously to suit whatever fish you have though so maybe:

Mon: Flakes
Tue: Frozen Bloodworm
Wed: Algae flakes
Thurs: Frozen Daphnia
Fri: Flakes
Sat: Frozen Fish eggs
Sun: Day off.

 

[poopsydrew]

Not that you shouldnt get it checked out but i know it is very normal for clown loaches to act pecular and lay on their sides, its just their nature. Also, many fish change color throughout the day or when being moved to a new enviroment. Good luck.

Drew

 

[Lorna]

Post symptoms in Tropical Fish Emergency forum. Sounds like a swim bladder probem to me. Not very treatable I'm afraid if it is. Poor water quailty can be a cause so improving this can help.

What is your current stock? Tank size? maintainance regime? Feeding schedule?

as these can all be a factor in water quality.

Your best bet for now is to isolate him in shallower water to see if he recovers. If there is no signs of recovery within 7 days then euthanisia is the most humane next step.

The other possibility is constipation. Usually caused by poor diet and over feeding. You should only feed your fish once a day with just enough food to be completely eaten in less than a minute. Only feed 6 days a week and leave them to have a scavenging day. Try to vary food types through the week. Obviously to suit whatever fish you have though so maybe:

Mon: Flakes
Tue: Frozen Bloodworm
Wed: Algae flakes
Thurs: Frozen Daphnia
Fri: Flakes
Sat: Frozen Fish eggs
Sun: Day off.

Hiya jonesyuk,

thanx for the advice. The tank hasn't finished cycling yet so I know that has played a huge problem with my fish from time to time. I didn't know anything about cycling the tank until the fish looked unwell and started researching it. I change the H20 everyday by 20% to keep the ammonia levels under control. I was watching the clown loach this evening and he was out and about swimming OK. I think it probally has to do with the H2O quality. The food you suggested can I buy all of that from the pet shop? Even the frozen fish eggs?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Most good LFS have a freezer with all sorts of frozen foods. You can sometimes buy a multi pack with 4 different food types in one pack which is a good bet. The fish eggs are sometimes hard to find but feel free to try other things instead. Cycling your tank with a clown loach is not ideal, they also get fairly big, 6" after a year or so then 12" + eventually. Is he OK for your tank?

 

[Stroker]

they also get fairly big, 6" after a year or so then 12" + eventually. Is he OK for your tank?

Wow I knew they got to be 4-6 inches but if they really get 12 inches I need a bigger tank. 20 gallons just wont be enough.

 

[poopsydrew]

they also get fairly big, 6" after a year or so then 12" + eventually. Is he OK for your tank?

Wow I knew they got to be 4-6 inches but if they really get 12 inches I need a bigger tank. 20 gallons just wont be enough.

Yes they def get 12 inches, some have grown to 16. You should google clown loaches and find a site that has a fully grown one, theyre monsters! Im thinking upwards of 75 gallons minimun for a school of juvenilles and even larger when they are grown would be adequate.

Drew

 

[Lorna]

Yeah I know now how big they can get. At the mo I have got 3 and they are still babies only about 2 inches at the most. 2 of them are happy swimming eating and they like to socialise with the platy. The other (blackish one) he doesn't appear to be so happy. He was swimming around last nite but not like the other 2. I will eventually get a bigger tank for them as I really do like them. I wish the guy at the shop told me all of this. But I have learnt now!! I am quite amazed how I haven't lost any of my fish. The tetras & platys appear to be growing bigger and they are all brightly coloured, they all look very happy. I do try my best with the tank. B)
I have really appreicated all the advice on this forum everyone has been very nice thnx