blackmoor

Question
Hello
the blackmoor is getting sluggish, it would stay for most of day on the surface of the water. it still eats well, but i also noted that around around its bottom the scales are all white.
i am changing the water (30/50% ) once every 8/10 days. and would add every time salt and special anti amonium product. the tank got a filter.
the fish is the only one in the tanks
can you help ?

regards
denis

Answer
Denis,                                                                 This fish in the right conditions can live 30 years or more. I also want you to know that this fish gets large. You didn't tell me how large your tank is. I hope it is at least a 29 gallon. Make sure you have an airstone in there bubbling. They need lots of oxygen. If he is gasping that is why. The agitation on the surface of the water envelopes the oxygen into the water. Hanging on the surface of the water is sometimes a sign of swimbladder infection. You can prevent this by feeding him a pea a couple of times a week. You just squish it up well he will eat hull and all. You can also go to your petshop and get a veggy clip......slice an orange and give him half a slice meat out and it will give him tons of vitamin C. Their food is fortified with it , but once a week he will love you for it. Good Luck, Tina