Kissing Gourami Problem

[RandyW]

Hi. I have a Pink Kissing Gourami, unknown age, but likely younger than 3 years. The fish was found laying on the bottom of the tank on left side. It appeared that the fish had died. I removed the fish from the tank, and was preparing to take care of the problem. During the 20 foot trip to the bathroom, to wrap in a washcloth...the fish was motionless. Even when preparations were being made, no motion. I was convinced the fish was dead. I saw very slight movement...so I thought maybe the fish was alive. I too the fish back to the aquarium, and in a net, placed it in the water. Still, no movement at all. After 30 seconds, the fish appeared to move. After another minute, I saw definate movement. After a few more minutes, it was obvious through voluntary movement, the fish was still alive. I tried to feed the fish tropical flakes (it's favorite) and it was trying to eat...only I still had the fish in the net....and had to keep it near the top of the tank to try to eat. After more time...the fish was voluntarily trying to keep itself vertical to eat. It actually even swam hard enough to keep itself vertical (without assistance) for a few seconds...and was attempting to eat.

However, after this time...the fish seemed to give up...and sank to the bottom. I waited a couple of minutes...then tried again. Same result. It would still try to swim...and eat....but after a few seconds....would sink to the bottom, and again lay on its side. Either side...didn't matter.

Water specs are:

0 Ammonia
0 Nitrite
40 ppm Nitrate
High Alkalinity (300+)
Very Hard wate (300+ GH)

Normally, Nitrate was below 20.

The tank is too small...only 15 gallon.

Please advise on what I should do. Should I continue to try to feed "Fred"....or should I just let him go?

He made an effort to swim the 4" from where he was to his favorite spot in the back corner of the tank....but remains totally motionless

I know this is a very difficult time....and am only interested in what is right for Fred.

Please help ASAP
Ph above 8.4

 

[RandyW]

Tank size:
pH:
ammonia:0
nitrite:0
nitrate:30 ppm
kH:300+
gH:300+
tank temp:74 degrees F

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):

See first post. No physical ailments, color changes, etc.

Abnormal behavior exhibited beginning today

Volume and Frequency of water changes:

20% done weekly. Infrequently (every 2-3 weeks for last 8-9 weeks

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:

None

Tank inhabitants:

Only "Fred" Pink Kissing Gouramis

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):

None for the last 11 months

Exposure to chemicals

None known

 

[Trollfest]

I'm sorry about your poorly fish and can't really help with that but just thought I should mention that you shouldn't really put fish, dead or alive, down the toilet as you risk introducing foreign pathogens/parasites etc into the water system.

 

[RandyW]

Yup. Thanks for your condolences. I feel terrible for Fred...and fear that it may be due to lack of feeding. Despite constant reminders, my 11 year old daughter didn't do very well at all feeding Fred. I did fill in...but spent 40% of my time on business travel. It really hurts me to see him going through this...and no idea of how to help.

Thanks again

 

[RandyW]

BTW,
I didn't mean to imply that he was headed for the plumbing system. I am aware that this is not a safe alternative, as much as it is improperly used for this purpose. Please, please, please, render any suggestions you have.

Thanks

 

[star4]

It could possibly be a swim bladder problem (just guessing here) try a cooked pea, take the skin off and crush it up see if the fish will take it. I have a kissing gourami and she often just lies on the bottom of the tank, many times I have thought she was dead and stared at her for ages, her gills not moving just a flicker of her eye, then she will zoom off round the tank (I swear laughting!!).

I hope Fred will be ok

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Did you (by chance) do a recent water change in your tank)???....

 

[WILDER]

How many fish are in the tank and which type.

Is the fish bloated or look thin.
Does the fish look pale or darker in colour.
What do you feed the fish.
What does it look like when your fish go to the toilet.
Any red sores or red streaking on fins or body of fish.

 

[Betta5]

not to hijack but should you not flush dead fish?

 

[WILDER]

I bury dead fish in the garden.
I wouldn't recommend flushing live fish as it's a cruel death.