I didn't post this in emergencies because I am not quite sure that it is one. MY husband bought me a shoal of Skunk Cories a few weeks ago and since then one has died and another looks like its on its way out.
A little background on the fish:
The gentleman who gave them to us has them for about 5 years he said. But it was getting to difficult for him to care for the fish properly (he was older). They were in a 55g tank which was well taken care of. He really knew his stuff about fish. He even tested his water for us so we knew the conditions they were coming from (also helped me see what pH it was at, and his was significantly lower than mine) brought them home and drip acclimatized them, and all was well. Well, then one died a few days ago. Water params at the time were 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate (planted tank, well established) and I also have a 55g tank. Well now, I have another one that is looking like he is ready to die. Very sluggish, not moving much. He is eating though, just not active.
other tankmates are 5 cherry barbs, 4 other skunk cories, 7 albino cories, 2 albino bns and an Angelfish (I know my stocking needs work. I am getting more cherry barbs when I get paid, and adding another shoal of fish)
Overall appearance of the fish that died and the one that is dying is good. doesnt look malnourished, no nipped fins, all barbs intact and healthy. So if they were already five years old when I got them, are they dying of old age?
A little background on the fish:
The gentleman who gave them to us has them for about 5 years he said. But it was getting to difficult for him to care for the fish properly (he was older). They were in a 55g tank which was well taken care of. He really knew his stuff about fish. He even tested his water for us so we knew the conditions they were coming from (also helped me see what pH it was at, and his was significantly lower than mine) brought them home and drip acclimatized them, and all was well. Well, then one died a few days ago. Water params at the time were 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate (planted tank, well established) and I also have a 55g tank. Well now, I have another one that is looking like he is ready to die. Very sluggish, not moving much. He is eating though, just not active.
other tankmates are 5 cherry barbs, 4 other skunk cories, 7 albino cories, 2 albino bns and an Angelfish (I know my stocking needs work. I am getting more cherry barbs when I get paid, and adding another shoal of fish)
Overall appearance of the fish that died and the one that is dying is good. doesnt look malnourished, no nipped fins, all barbs intact and healthy. So if they were already five years old when I got them, are they dying of old age?
I don't know much about skunk corys, but my parents have an albino cory who's 8 years old. She's one of the only two albinos they've ever had, in a shoal of bronze corys, and the other one died years ago. She still spawns occasionally, she's amazing. 
there are three of her offspring in her shoal.
