Cichlid playing dead or dying

Question
I have just started a cichlid tank. Everything with my tank is fine except that one of my cichlids is laying on it side at the bottom. I actually went to get it out of the tank with my net. I just got the cichlid 3 days ago. I had it in the net and still in the water. I went to do something and come back about 5 minutes later and it was swimming around. I watched the cichlid for about an hour. It did that several times. It would lay on its side and then decide to get up. I also forgot to mention it would go up the side of the tank and then just sink to the bottom like he was in shock or something. Please help me. I do not want him to die.

Answer
Hi Brittany;

Sounds like a swim bladder problem. Here is a link to more info;

http://www.netpets.com/fish/reference/freshref/swimbldr.html

The article mentions mostly goldfish, but it is applicable to others too.

I hope he feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins