Gourami NOT EATING - help!

[Jenadmom]

Does anyone know why a dwarf gourami in apparent good health no longer eats? He was being bullied by a much larger male, so we finally took that one back and bought a female. He does seem to follow her, and act interested in her, but does not eat any food, even bloodworms.. which I tried for the first time yesterday. If it's stress I'm not sure what else to do to help him. I really don't want to lose this fish! Any advice would be much appreciated.

Water quality does not seem to be the problem.. Nitrites are all gone. I always take the chlorine out of the water that is added, and check for exact temp. Nitrates are in the middle range, and not sure how to help that.

Other tankmates, FYI: 4 danios, 3 rosy barbs, and a bristlenose catfish. All seem to get along fine. The barbs are relatively new and are quite active compared to the old gourami, not sure if that could be stressing him.

[michael lai]

Hi jenadmom,
you did the right thing by taking the aggressor out. It will take afew days before he recovers. Do not separate the fish if nothing is provoking him. Instead, do not feed the rest of the fishes a day or two. Hopefully when you feed again, the feeding frenzy caused by the others will encourage him. Repeat again if necessary. If he doesn't recover by a week, then likely you would lose him. BTW, is there enough hiding place or cover for him. That is important and will aid him tremendously. IE wood or plants.
Check for breathing, if he is still breathing faster than normal after 2-3 days. Something is wrong. Look for signs of infection.

[Jenadmom]

Thank you for your quick response!

Well, actually it's been almost two weeks since we exchanged the male bully for the female and the barbs. If anything if there is much activity he shies away from it.

The only thing coming out of him is sort of really thin white 'poop'. I read somewhere this could mean parasites. I called the place where I got him and they confirmed it could be. Suggested some new gel to treat him... but, he has to eat it! They said to perhaps confine him with a net near the food for a little bit to see if he'll take it.

I am really confused as to how to get him to eat. Someone else suggested minced garlic, that it can draw them to eat. ?? Will that harm the other fish in the tank? Seems weird to put that in.

I will add some another piece of greenery, although the tank is a tall 26gal and is fairly full already for the danios and barbs to have room to roam around in. He still 'appears' fine (no swelling, no shrunkenness, no spots of any kind). He just doesn't eat!! I am going for the gel tonight, but have my doubts I can get it in him. Any other advice anyone could offer is welcome.

THANKS SO MUCH

[michael lai]

Hi Jenadmom,
No spooked fish will eat if you try to confine him in a net. Take him out put in a quarantine tank. Apply medication and aerate. Go shop around, we have plenty of cheap & good medication around. You might need a heater. BTW ask yourself if the fish is worth it?

[Jenadmom]

. BTW ask yourself if the fish is worth it?

He died today.
I guess you are right. You guys are all so serious about the fish care, though, I feel bad not trying everything! Not sure what to do if it starts happening to another fish...

[benny]

BTW ask yourself if the fish is worth it?

Certainly a topic worthy of a separate discussion...

On this subject, I think most of us will do all we can to save a life. It's only natural and humane.

Cheers,

[michael lai]

Hi Benny, Jenahmom
Jena hope you are not offended by what i said. Like benny pointed out, We would definitely try our best to save our little friends. Its just that after rearing fishes for so long, my approach is attuned towards practicality.

Again apologies if I cross any sensitive boundaries.

[benny]

Michael and I had a discussion earlier on Saturday and I was sharing that I had spent S$64 on a 60 cents fish. At the end of the day, we may be doing more harm than good and it may be more humane to just flush it down the toilet to end it's suffering quickly.

Don't worry about it Michael. I don't think anybody was offended.

Cheers,