[lewisarbucks]

This Black Widow Tetra has been fine for past few weeks and so have his other friends, however, as of yesterday, he started to gasp a lot (no other fish were doing this) and his mouth seems affected in some way. This morning he was leaning against the glass sitting on a plant and didn't move except for gasping with his mouth.
Tank is Juwel rekord 800 (29 gallons) and remains around 27 degrees Celsius. There are also 2 pearl gourami, 3 guppies and another 2 widow tetras and 2 algae eaters. Tank is around 6 weeks since cycled and seems to be going fine (this fish is the only one showing these signs of illness)

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag29/lewisarbucks/20130527_073939-1_zps866118d3.jpg

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag29/lewisarbucks/20130527_073902-1_zpsf1d97e10.jpg

http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag29/lewisarbucks/20130527_073910-1_zps25abe1a4.jpg

 

[lewisarbucks]

He is now swimming around tank but often staying at surface and gasping still. He has some around his mouth that looks like scales have come off (im no expert)

 

[lewisarbucks]

Now lying upside down

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[Bongox3]

I'm so sorry to hear this...not sure what this could be, and rather defer to the experts...but I'm thinking possibly an obstruction from something eaten - which could explain the injury to his mouth....also some algae eaters can be pretty aggressive, what kind do u have??? Again, I'm sorry, unfortunately I know how helpless u feel right now...

 

[lewisarbucks]

Im sure they are emm chinese or siamese

 

[Bongox3]

I have heard Chinese algea eaters can at times be aggressive...at some point even turning away from algae altogether....perhaps not an issue here.... But something to keep in mind. Unless it was shock or something pertaining to ur water condition, I'm afraid I think ur only choice is to monitor ur little guy and/or consider quarantine....unfortunately a move of such can be traumatic too ... I'm sorry.... These little (even big) guys are very sensitive and ur situation can be a number of things... If you do experience a loss, and I'm not at all making light of this, you did everything in your power to provide a nice and healthy home for him.... Sometimes it's nothing we did, it's sometimes just it's time and/or circumstance... But do water checks and changes...all the things you would normally do and I wish you all the best... You obviously have a big heart as I am comforted that most here, our new collective, do too... Please let me know of developments.... -mike.

Again, best wishes....

 

[lewisarbucks]

Thanks for that message mike, very sincere! I will inform you that the fish has sadly passed away after fighting for survival. My theory is that he had nipped the bigger pearl gouramis and they were taking none of it and so attacked it?

 

[Bongox3]

I'm sorry to hear this ... Tetras are wonderful fish, with a 29g, u might consider getting more as they do better in groups ... As they're small, a small school would be appropriate and it would lessen stress with the tetras that use schooling behavior when confronted with larger fish they consider a threat (even a relatively peaceful gourami). I'm worried about the Chinese algae eater too, as they can become quite bothersome to other fish in community tanks...if ur going to keep them, please ensure there are plenty of hiding places (via plants) for the smaller fish to hide amongst. Additionally, u may want to consider another guppy... A 1 male to 2-3 females is always ideal.... If u choose to replace the Chinese algae eater you can often find dwarf size plecos that are effective and stay very small ... Snails are a peaceful and nice option too. Again, I am sorry for your loss ... Not too long ago, I was called out on a case and in my rush out forgot to cut off my co2 (not on a timer), as a result I came home and found those fish that were alive gasping for air, and unfortunately many more dead because my mistake....it feels terrible, believe me I know.... But we all have lost, with the best intentions in mind... You just gotta move on and do that much better next time... Take care, and keep you chin up! Mike

 

[lewisarbucks]

Thanks Mike, I will take all that you have said into consideration and I shall be making the appropriate changes. I think there is enough plant covering for hiding in however, I may add some more. The guppies seem happy but I agree they would do better with some more friends! As with the tetras, they will be accompanied by more tetras do me happy in a school and not be scared! The algae eaters are so effective at what they do it would be sad to see them go but I understand what your saying. I have some snails as well and I guess they would be good alone with out algae eaters?
Anyway, thanks again and I'm sorry for the mistake with the CO2 that you had...sounds awful

 

[Bongox3]

Yeah, it was pretty bad..... Anyway, glad to see ur bouncing right back. You may not see any issues with the algae eaters, just keep an eye on em... Keep us posted as to your progress and take care! Picture once it's stocked???