pink gourami

Question
My pink gourami which is probably about ten years old has stopped eating for about a week. I don't see his mouth opening at all anymore. He still swims alone in his 10 gallon tank but I don't see him eating anymore. He stays on a horizontal level, he doesn't swim facing down to eat off the bottom of the tank anymore. I haven't done anything different in the last week to the tank. Any suggestions as to what is happening. Is it just old age? I've changed the filter on a regular basis but I don't have a ph reading or anything like that. Temperature in the tank is the normal range.

Answer
Hi Rick,
First congratulations on having such a fish living at such a ripe old age. Few people ever get have to keep old fish like this and this is quite an accomplishment.
But unfortunately it sounds like this gourami is nearing his end. Ten years is a amazing age for such a fish and he is probably slowing down from it most likely.

The best thing you can do is make sure he is comfortable as possible. This basically means keeping his water quality as clean and pristine as you can. A ten-gallon can get polluted really quick in a matter of a few days. 30% water changes three times a week will really help keep the gourami comfortable. If he wants somewhere to hide, make sure he has a place. Keep his temperature stable as well and try to match replacement water's temperature (when doing water changes) as close to his tank as possible to prevent any unnecessary stress.

I really hope this helps and best of luck with the gourami!
Karen~