Freshwater Fish

» taj683 - Black Bullhead Catfish

When I took over a science class for a retiring teacher I "inherited" a black bullhead catfish. He said he would be back soon to get the fish but here we are one year later and guess who still has the fish?!

In the past week or so the fish has become a little lethargic, rubs it's side on the gravel, and tends to float pointing up instead of horizontal. There seemed to be a favorite hovering spot that suddenly isn't anymore.

I have treated the fish for 5 days with tetracycline tablets and fed anti-bacterial medicated food, turned the heater and tank light off (were on at all times) and changed the water in the tank twice. Sometimes the fish seems ok, at other times as I described before.

Am I just a rookie that doesn't know bottom-feeder behavior or is the fish "sick"?

Please help!!

Thanks!

-- posted by taj683

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» Douglas DuHamel - Black Bullhead Catfish

In response to Black Bullhead Catfish posted by taj683:

First off you are describing several symptoms of swim bladder disease in which the fish has no control of there actions. Swim bladder is usually fatal, but some times if caught early enough the fish can be saved,

Never change more than twenty five percent of the water and only do this with a few days in between, Secondly never turn off heat to a aquarium, this causes stress on the fish and could bring in other diseases. Thirdly regulate the lighting of the tank to 8 to 12 hours daily. If you had light 24/7 I'm sure you would get a bit stressed also.

You could add a tablespoon of aquarium salt to every gallon of water and try a stronger anti biotic. Basically this is all I can suggest with out getting into some dangerous chemicals, and in the hands of a new person could cause more damage than good. Plus the fact theirs kids around.

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» taj683 - Black Bullhead Catfish

In response to Black Bullhead Catfish posted by doug101:

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, the black bullhead catfish did not make it. When I came in the next day it had died. When examining the fish I saw red "splotches" under the mouth and near the anal hole. I'm sure this probably indicates something but I'm not fish educated enough to know what might've been the problem.

-- posted by taj683

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» Douglas DuHamel - Black Bullhead Catfish

In response to Black Bullhead Catfish posted by taj683:

I'm very sorry to hear that!

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» fishgrrrl - Black Bullhead Catfish

-- posted by fishgrrrl

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» beccasoscars - my baby oscar wont eat

i bought these two oscars last week. On sunday i added some new plants to the tank as the other ones where causing hassels. Upon doing this my over assertive albino tiger oscar has stopped eating and is looking very sick. My other oscar who was harrassed by the albino is fine if anything he is really healthy. help i dont want him to die but i just cant get him to eat again. I have checked water done a water change(25%) and still he refuses please anyone he is a gorgeous pet and i dont wish to lose him.

-- posted by beccasoscars

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