Pink Convict Problems

[Snizzlefish]

I need help... I have a 5 year established community of 6 pink convicts and 3 large silver dollars... Very peaceful, no fighting but for the last two weeks one convict has stopped swimming and just sits on the bottom of the tank. Now a large male convict does the same. When it's feeding time they swim up but with great effort then sink to the bottom like a rock. The smaller convict's belly is large. Is it possible they have swallowed some gravel, or are they sick. I'm worried about them, they are kind of like family. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[snake007]

Got any pics?

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Hmm large belly and sinking like a rock. Sounds like a swim bladder issue. Try feeding a pea to the convict and that may help him poop. Swim bladder problems can come about from constipation. Peas pass right through fish and take everything out with it. I had a betta that had this problem and a pea cured it. The other possibility is dropsy....do the scales on your fish look like they are popping out? Like a pinecone?

And as snake said, post a pic of your affected fish. It may help us identify the problem and help you get your fish well

 

[Snizzlefish]

There's a total of six convicts just the two sick how can I just give the two peas? Not sure if they would eat if I separated them

 

[colleen0309]

Give peas to all of them. Fish like peas. Just pop the insides out and drop them in. Good morning and welcome to the forum!