Topic: Think my Rainbow cichlid has swim bladder issue

[Gerry]

My male Rainbow cichlid is struggling to get off the tank floor, he's eating, colour seems normal and can swim up for food but it looks like he's dragging an anchor with him and as soon as he stops swimming drops back like a stone.

Does a swim bladder issue cause this and is it likely to heal?

[callen]

Yes it can Gerry.  Any aggression in the tank?  If it was caused by an injury from another fish, the damage not severe it will most likely heal on it's own.  If it is severe you will see him get worse, he will stop eating and become bloated.  See how he does over the next 48 hours.  Please keep us posted.  Hope he heals fast 

[Gerry]

He is in with his mate and some babies, along with the rainbows growing out for the big tank.

He's already been like this for near a week as I waited to see if he healed.

[callen]

Has he gotten worse or just about the same?  Swim bladder issues do take time to heal and if he is not getting worse that is a good sign.

[Gerry]

No, was eating bloodworm today, but seems to drop tail first 

[callen]

If you plan on moving him to his own tank you can turn the temp up a few degrees and add salt.  This may help him heal.

[tommyc]

Sorry to hear this Gerry I am terrible at diagnostics here is a link to swim bladder Symptoms and some other things to check out
Hope it helps and it works out for you mate. Scroll down to were it says swim bladder disease and click.
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/Diseases.htm#Swim-bladder%20Disease

Tom

[Gerry]

Yeah, I'll hospital tank him tomorrow and add salt at 1 in 10 for the stress, will feed him sinking food until he's more mobile.

thanks callen, never had a SB issue before

[Gerry]

Thanks Tommy, will read that 

[callen]

Gerry...with any kind of buoyancy issues they say not to feed pellets or flaked foods. 

YW and hope he heals up.

[callen]

I should note...peas and other veggies would be good.

[Gerry]

Cool, he's a vegetarian for a while then 

[altaaffe]

Sounds like a good plan of action Gerry - hope he pulls through for you.

[Stormbringer]

Gerry i read in a book  that if you vary the water level in the tank it can excercise the swim bladder how true it is i dont know but may be worth a try could take a few dailly cycles tho

[Gerry]

thank mate, I'll move him to tank on his own and give him a few days and maybe try this after that