Dwarf Jelly-Bean Cichlid (Convict)

Question
I have a jelly-bean convict cichlid that i have had for the last 3-4 years.  I take pride in my aquarium and keep supreme water conditions.  All of the sudden, one of my jelly-beans (i believe to be a male) began staying near the surface of the tank but not breathing rapidly, no scraping against surfaces or anything, he just sits up in a corner with his face pointing at a 45 degree angle to the top corner of the tank.  I don't know what to treat or whether to treat or medicate anything.  If i influence him to go down below the surface, it is not very long until he wanders back up to the surface and into a corner again. Desperately need help!!!!  Any suggestions?  

Answer
Hi Doug,
Jelly Bean Convicts are man made fish.  They are dyed, and this is done in a terrible way.  It is almost torture to the fish.  You must have been taking good care of him, since he has survived 4 years.  
From what I can see from what you told me, there are different things you could look for.  Is his tummy swollen?  If so, it could indicate Swim Bladder Disease.  This disease is caused by constipation which often goes unnoticed.  Try feeding him cooked frozen peas with the outer layer removed.  Cut the peas into bite size pieces.  Feed him nothing else for a day, if he does not waste, you will have to treat him with "Tetracycline" or "Kanamycin" or "Furan-2"  When caught in time this disease is curable, but if left too long, it will lead to dropsy.  Dropsy is very hard to cure if not impossible.  Fish should have peas once a week so that they can clean out their system.  On the day you feed him the pea, feed him nothing else.  Daphnia should also be part of their diet.  It is always better to feed fish, 2-3 times a day in small amounts, instead of one big meal.
Check your water to see if there is enough oxygen.  Is your water movement enough.  Your filter should splash the water down to the tank.  Leave a space so that it will cause movement.  Adding an air stone could help.  Sometimes when fish stay near the surface it is because of lack of oxygen.
I hope this helps.
Lynda

Hi Doug,
I'm so sorry you lost your little pet.  Convicts can live a long time, up to 8 years, sometimes more.  Convicts should have varied diets.  Feed him bloodworms now, and then, and algae pellets.  In the wild the eat crustaces, algae, and worms.  Adults can eat cleaned worms that you buy at the bait store.  It is better to buy the worms at the bait store because you are sure that there are no pesticides in them.  To clean the worms you put them in oats for a week or so.  You can feed him worms now and then, but never make it his main diet.  Vary his diet as much as you can.  You could also feed him frozen fish that you find at the market.  The fish must come from rivers or lakes, never salt water fish.  They must be bought frozen.  Unfreeze little pieces, and feed them to your convict, he will love this.  A good quality flake is also a must.
Convicts live in water that have lots of movement.  Later, maybe you could invest in a bigger filter.  100 gallon tanks need a bigger filter.  I know they are expensive, but save you lots of work, and help keep your water chemistry right.  I have a 404 fluval on my 100 gallon tank, and never had regrets.  Sometimes they go on sale.  Always make sure you have no ammonia, or nitrites in your water.  They are the number one killer of fish.  You can buy these small test kits at your pet store, or Walmart, and they are always handy to have.  
I'm happy you have decided to buy another little convict.  They are so cute.
Do not hesitate to write me if you have more questions on convicts or any other fish.
Lynda