CONVICT FISH

Question
I HAVE 3 IN MY TANK, 20 GAL. ONE OF THEM KEEPS FLOATING ON THE TOP, I THOUGHT IT WAS DEAD. I WENT TO TAKE IT OUT AND IT SHOT DOWN INTO THE WATER, WHEN IT SWIMS IT LIES ON IT SIDE, REMINDS ME OF A BOAT THAT IS CAPSIZING. IS THIS FISH SICK?

Answer
Hi Barbara
3 convicts is a bit much in a 20 gallon tank.  For a pair of convicts, it's best to have at least a 30 gallon, for 3 I think a 35-40 gallon would be best at minimum.

Do you have a test kit?  If not, I'd recommend buying one that tests for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and ph.  I would say it sounds like it's suffering from ammonia or nitrite poisoning from the tank being overstocked.  But hard to say without a verification from a test kit.  But, water quality would be my first guess.  Ammonia and nitrite should be reading 0 ppm, and nitrates under 20 ppm.  

Try doing a large water change, about 50%, and see if that helps him any.  I would suggest considering a larger tank, or getting rid of 2 of them.

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have more questions.

Christy