Female Heterandria Formosa (least killifish, dwarf mosquitofish etc) swimming vertically with head up near surface..

[ClownLurch]

... all others swimming as normal. She’s lost a lot of colour and is struggling to maintain a level swim and is swimming head up just below the surface where they all rarely go. Seems to be really struggling. Could this be a swim bladder problem? If so what can I do?
Trapped air? They don’t feed at the surface and are rarely seen feeding at all apart from picking at plants and the sponge filter.

I only noticed this 20 mins ago and have done a 50% WC and small gravel vac. I’m just about to test the original water and I’ll get back with the results

Shes by far the oldest in the tank and when I bought her I thought maybe the seller was getting rid of her as she was past breeding use. The other two sent were way younger probably her kids and I’d ordered a pair so receiving 3 at U.K. HF prices was a shock. Could it just be old age?

Any suggestions?

 

[ClownLurch]

0.25 Ammonia (which is how it comes out of the tap)
0 Rites
10 Rates (which is how it comes out of the tap)

Last 50% WC was on last Friday. I’ve done another one after seeing the problem.
Shes “swimming“ around on the surface mainly backwards which’s probably not swimming but fighting the sponge filter current which I’ve now turned down slightly. It seems as if she can’t swim downwards.
Ive turned off the tank light as shes basically 2” below it and they normally spend most of their time near the bottom. I’ve left the room light on.
No signs of bloating but there’s a total loss of colour. No vertical swimming atm.

Awful feeling just waiting isn’t it?

 

[ClownLurch]

She seems to have regained a bit of colour and is swimming in circles at the surface going forwards now but with a bit of a list to one side though that could just be to complete the circles though it doesn’t look it.
Shes also gone to the opposite end of the tank from the sponge filter.
Things are looking up I think. Though in fishkeeping they tend to be famous last words.
Fins crossed everyone.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I'm sorry I'm no help, not sure what's going on, but you've done all the right things as first aid! Water quality sounds good, dimming the lights and adjusting the current to reduce stress and give her an easier time was a good move too. Just here for moral support, and hope that @Colin_T will be able to give you more guidance!

 

[Slaphppy7]

You have .25 PPM of ammonia in the tank the fish is in?

 

[ClownLurch]

Yes.
Thats also the test reading when it comes out of the tap and 24 hrs after its came out of the tap. Changing more would make no difference to test readings.
MrsLurch has her own test kit for her office tank and our water reads the same on her kit.(the lime green coloured box, second one down).

 

[ClownLurch]

She’s now swimming around the bottom of tank head down as if searching for food. Seems to have regained a little colour. Most bizarr.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

They seem to love doing odd things that terrify us, don't they?

Crossing all fingers and toes that it was a passing thing, and she's feeling better now!

 

[ClownLurch]

She’s now either resting or swimming in a clockwise corkscrew type style as if she can’t help but lean towards her right which means a full 360 degrees turn clockwise while moving forwards.
Ive made another 50% WC this morning.
I know @emeraldking has had HFs in the past and @Colin_T seems to be the most knowledgeable on fish disease.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Are you testing your tank water 24 hours after a WC?
Seachem Prime for your conditioner?

 

[ClownLurch]

No. I test em every week when I do a 50%WC.
The 24hr on tap water is occasionally to confirm results found prior to first tank cycling. The old boy along the road has always returned similar ammonia readings apparently.

Tank has been running since Jan 14th. seeded with sponge filter, plants, rocks, wood etc Fromm community tank.
I’ve had this particular fish for about four month. The HhFs were in the community tank for months before being transferred over to a species tank on Jan 14.

The water is conditioned with Aqua Care conditioner.

Internet searches reveal a sickness called “whirling or whirring fish disease” you tube footage of which shows very similar swimming action.

 

[emeraldking]

If she's got whirling desease, it's not something you can cure. But whirling dease can also be caused by a problems in the brain. In that case, you won't be able to cure it.

 

[ClownLurch]

If she's got whirling desease, it's not something you can cure. But whirling dease can also be caused by a problems in the brain. In that case, you won't be able to cure it.

That’s what I thought. The written descriptions on the internet read like the writers were watching her as they wrote. You Tube footage almost confirmed it.
RIP Big Mama.