Odd Behavior with stuttering motion.

[sciguy86]

I have a blue gourami that is swimming oddly. She "stutters" when she is still. She nudges forwards and backwards. Her dorsal and caudal fins are pretty much clasped near her body. Now, she has developed dark coloration along the dorsal fin region and appears to have lost weight. Unfortunately, I can no longer quarantine her due to my other gouramis demonstrating this same behavior. I have treated for ick, with no results. I have currently added aquarium salt and elevated the temperature to almost 75 degrees F. Is this a swim bladder disease? Bacterial infection? Also, the scales on her operculum have become very apparent. Before, I was unable to discern the separate scales, whereas now I can distinguish between each individual scale.

[WaMiss]

What is your normal tank temp? Elevated to 75? I'm thinking......brrrrrr!

[rodm81]

I can't help withe the issue but the smart folks will need to know water parameters. Ammo, trites, trates, and pH. Also, how long has the tank been up and running as well as how long have you had the gourami.

[sciguy86]

Ammonia and nitrates are 0. Nitrites are not high ( can't remember the exact numerical value). pH is ~7.5. The temperature was 70 degrees F. The tank has been up for about 2 months now. I have had the original infected fish for about two weeks. Everyone else for 4.

[Honey Badger 1]

Try these links.

http://www.fishyportal.com/cgi-bin/p...=58&did=257003

http://www.fishyportal.com/cgi-bin/p...=32&did=257003

http://www.fishyportal.com/cgi-bin/p...=31&did=257003

[WaMiss]

70 is cold. It wouldn't hurt to bump it up a little more. My tanks are all kept at 78 and although I don't have gourami....I googled their water temp just now and 78 is good! Any nitrites are bad. Are you doing water changes? I'd definitely do one now and see if you can get it down. Was your tank cycled before you added the fish?

[sciguy86]

I'm sorry, the nitrites are 0. I tend to get that confused with nitrates. I perform at least 1 water change per week. Typically 2 water changes. My tank was cycled before hand. It was set up for 4 weeks with platies before the introduction of gouramis. I have seen this disease known as "gourami's disease" indicating a back and forth motion. I'm going to perform a 25% water change tomorrow and purchase an anti-parasitic agent.

[Bigge3415]

Most people on here including myself do a weekly water change of 50%. I didnt catch the size of your tank but I would do at least a 50% water change 75% wouldnt hurt.