grey gourmi

Question
I have a gray gourmi about 5 inches long.Its belly is very big bulging on both sides. Seems very healthy and apatite is fine. I have a blue one to but it looks normal. Dont know what sex it is. not sure how to tell. Has been this way for several weeks. thanks

Answer
Hello,
He may be constipated, try feeding him a cooked frozen pea with the outer layer removed.  Cut the pea into little bite sizes, and feed him nothing else for a day.  He must waste.  This could be the problem.  You must observe him to see.  If he begins to stay at the bottom of the tank, or the surface, you will have to treat him with an antibiotic.  Tetracycline is very good for Swim Bladder Disease.  This disease is caused by overfeeding, and poor diet.  It begins with constipation that goes unnoticed, then leads to Swim Bladder Disease, and if not cured in time, it will lead to Dropsy.  Dropsy is very difficult to cure if not impossible.
I hope this will help
Lynda