ciclid

Question
My ciclid has a bloated stomach and it is swimming upside down.  I just noticed it this morning.  What can I do I do not know what is wrong and I want to save it.  My husband noticed some little white things on its belly don't know what they are.  I want to know if what ever he has can harm my other fish? I want to be able to save it if at all possible I've had these fish for about 3 months but the person who gave it to me had it for 7 years.  HELP ME PLEASE.  One more thing, would you please tell me what kind of water is best for me to use?

Answer
Hi Brenda,
 Unfortunately once a cichlid is swimming upside down there is really nothing you can do for it.  Sadly, I have never seen a cichlid recover from that state.  Sorry.

 As for the white things, that is very hard to say.  My suggestion would be to remove that fish or there is a risk of infecting other fish.

 "What kind of water": I am not sure what you mean by this.  Do you have reasonable tap water or is your tap water very unhealthy?

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>