Sick Gourami? Advice Please :)

[carronann]

Hi all,

A week ago I noticed a couple of white spots on my gourami. I thought it was a reoccurance of ich as I had it in November. Anyways, I treated it as per the forums suggestions (2nd dosing yesrday). The gourami never had any other symptoms but was more playful and affectionate with the other fish. Over the last couple of days she has become very frisky to say the least and my blue gourami is getting plenty of kisses and prods... plus she wont leave my plec and catfish alone. She's not being aggressive.. just playing by the look of things.

Today, she more frisky than ever and wont leave the other gourami alone.. it's twice her (or his.. not quite sure) size. Also, she has what looks like a fading patch on her back nad a couple of patches behind the gills. Her back fin seems to be splitting also.

The tank has had no changes, no added fish, plants, chemicals (always ticks over itself) and all fish have lived happily for a long time.

I've had a rise in ammonia from 0 - 0.3, nitrate 10 and nitrite 0, since adding the ich treatment which i expected.

Any help would be gratefully received as I dont want to lose her/him

carron

 

[Colonel Mustard]

Hi there i think i had this same problem. i don't think that it has anything to do with the tank water quality. (But keep an eye on it just incase) they are prone to desease as a species, it looks like an ulcer from your pic. Southern cross has been posting a lot on this topic so you might like to contact him. there is not much you can do. About the behaviour my gourami (that sadly died due to it's illness much like yours, sorry but i just thought you might like to know) started to flirt with my corydoras, i thought it strange. he later on was very placid and still just floating on the top. as long as he keeps eating he will be fine and his body may be able to fight it off.

hope i'v helped
this might help http/www.fishforums.net/Has-Anyone-Ever-...is-t186527.html

P.S i think that Salvia or something(soz to you no offens just can't remeber very well) might give some help on the matter

 

[sylvia]

I think you mean me? lol Don't worry, I'm not offended at all. My memory's absolutely terrible - unbelievably so actually

Anyway, Colonel Mustard is right - it looks like the beginnings of an ulcer and this is very common in dwarf gouramies. They are often caused by viral infections - in which case there's nothing you can do.

However, this can also be the result of an internal bacterial infection - and that you can treat with an appropriate anti-bacterial med.
Even if it's viral, secondary bacterial infections often follow so treating with an anti-bacterial is a good idea either way. Stop the ich treatment as soon as possible.
If you tell us in which country you live, someone might be able to suggest a med. but usually you need something that says it treats Aeromonas bacteria - or else is called something like 'anti-internal bacteria med'.

If you can isolate him into a cycled hospital tank, that would be best. But I think it's worth treating regardless as he's in the very early stages and just might recover. Remember to follow the med. instructions exactly.

It is important to keep water quality excellent so do lots of water changes. Your fish needs to be able to concentrate his energy on fighting the disease - not trying to recover from ammonia/nitrite poisoning or septicemia. Also make sure he's eating lots of live or frozen foods - bloodworm, blackworm, daphnia and brine shrimp if possible - as well as flake. If they stop eating, death usually follows.

BTW, your fish is male and his 'prods' are aggressive.

Oh and here are some of those recent posts dealing with the same problem:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...p;#entry1511598
http/www.fishforums.net/Dwarf-Neon-Goura...lp-t185405.html
http/www.fishforums.net/Another-Gourami-...te-t188394.html

 

[Biulu]

I am currently treating a dwarf gourami with an ulcer, and he is still eating and does not show any signs of deterioration, so please do treat!

I used first a med. containing acriflavine as the active ingredient (since I am based in Mexico it does not make much sense to give you the brand name), and after having finished it, am now giving medicated flakes containing oxitetracicline.

I suggest you have a look at the emergency section, where there is a pinned article which contains a great list of medicines and their active ingredients. It also explains for what sicknesses you can use it.

Good luck!