jack dempsey on side

Question
I have a jack dempsey which has been lying on it's side for 4-5 months and does not appear to be eating.  It had  been attacked by another dempsey and had an abrasion which developed an infection which was treated- since then it has stayed on it's side on the bottom of the tank- it swims erratically at times and is in the tank with a docile clown loach; other dempsey is in another tank; can you help?

Answer
Hi Gail,
 Unfortunately it sounds like your jack dempsey has a major problem with its swim bladder. The swim bladder is the organ that fish have to help them stay upright and buoyant. Unfortunately there is nothing I know of that you can do to fix this. Sorry.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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