Floating Plec

[justandy333]

I have a common plec. Hes in my 30inch aquarium.
Just recently hes been acting rather strange. Rather than sticking to rocks or the glass, he sits upsidedown just below the water surface im not exactly sure what is goin on with him or if its natural behavoir.
If anyone could shed some light on whats goin on that would be great.

 

[Tolak]

I have a couple commons that do that, especially at feeding time. They learned that they can suck floating food from the surface, just float there & the food comes to them.

Toss in a small pinch of flakes, and see if he eats them.

 

[justandy333]

He does it all the time, its not as though he tryin to get a head start when feeding time comes.
He really struggles to keep himself down in the tank. Hes is always drifting to the surface.
Like hes got somthing wrong with his control over his buoyancy.

 

[Tolak]

Arg. Could be a swim bladder problem, either caused by constipation, or a bacterial problem. Constipation is usually helped by feeding a shelled pea or two, which may be difficult if your plec is having a hard time staying on the bottom. Another option is epsom salt, start with 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of tank water, increase by a teaspoon per 10 gallons daily for a maximum of 3 teaspoons per 10 gallons.

If it's bacterial Myxazin may help. In either case a seperate med tank is a good idea, along with daily water changes.

 

[justandy333]

thanks, I will take ur advice. Hopefully i can get him better in not too long.