Sick ciclid

Question
I have a 35 gal tank with a spotted, a bumble bee, and two electric yellows (one male, one female), plus a very large pleco, and am using an Emperor filter (with bio wheel). I change the water and filter once per month with roughly 1/3 replacement. The two electrics were the first fish that went in to this tank on start up back in February. Yesterday and today, my female electric started behaving erratically. None of them show any spots (like Ick), she has no visible damage. Today she is swimming in tight circles, has separated herself from the others, sometimes swimming straight up or on her side, and is somewhat irritable. She tends to get snappy when stressed. She did eat a little during this morning's and this evening's feeding. Should I be concerned with this, and is there anything I can do?

Answer
Hi Kari;

I'm not an expert in africans but could she be protecting a nest? Otherwise, it sounds like she may have a swim bladder malfunction or other problem. You might ask one of the other experts experienced with them about their breeding habits.

There are many possible causes for a swim bladder problem but it is not usually curable in most cases. Constipation is the most curable so try fasting the fish for a couple of days and then feed cooked peeled green peas.

Some of the other possible causes are infection, cancer, injury, toxic poisoning and shock. It's just that we can't see inside them to know what is really going on to give an accurate diagnosis. You could try medicated antibacterial food or an antibiotic added to the water. The only two medicines that absorb inside without adding it to food are "Maracyn Two" and Kanamycin. It would be best to isolate her so you aren't treating the other fish too and messing up the water in the main tank.

I hope she feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins