Help my male firemouth is acting wierd

**Daz"The Krib"** · 05-17-2009, 11:47 AM

can anyone suggest what may be wrong with my firemouth it looks as though he is constantly gasping for air . he sits at the bottom in his cave and his mouth is constantly open and his throat area is constantly moving water ph is 7.5 nitites are 0 and hardness is 9

**Little Embers** · 05-17-2009, 12:05 PM

I would also test for Ammonia and Nitrate straight away and also do a partial water change of 30% or so. Could be problems with oxygen or ammonia toxicity.

What other fish do you have in the tank and how is the temperature and water circulation?

**Lady Hobbs** · 05-17-2009, 12:10 PM

I was about to say the same thing. Check for your ammonia levels and keep up with weekly water changes. Add an airstone if enough oxygen is not getting into the tank.

**Daz"The Krib"** · 05-17-2009, 12:17 PM

its a 55ltr tank water temp is 24-25 its tank mate are the female firemouth who is fine eating normal and a pr of blue rams did a 25% part change this morning. its running of an under gravel filter with two air oulets on the pump. one goes to the pipe the other goes to an airstone. the pump itself is for a 120 ltr tank so i believe the filteration and oxygen levels should be fine what do you think

**Daz"The Krib"** · 05-17-2009, 01:26 PM

ok dun my tests ammonia is clear nitrate is 10 mg/litre. nitrit is less than 0.1 mg/litre so i belive the water is ok. non of the other fish are showing any off the same signs. he came out to feed but it appears he is unable to close his mouth

**Abbeys_Mom** · 05-17-2009, 05:10 PM

Sounds like a bacterial/parasite infection. When they are acting that way, you can try quarantining and treating, but if you don't catch it early there isn't much hope.