Loss of apisto fries

[wks]

Last night, I changed about 1/3 volume of water in my Apistogramma sp. Algodon I tank as the water became more murky.
This morning, I saw my female fish changed from yellow breeding colour to its normal colour. Both parent fish were staying near the water surface gasping for air, I knew immediatley this meant trouble.
Since I was on my way to work,the only thing I could do that time was to add an airstone, hoping to keep the parents alive.

Well I have learnt a good lesson this time. Never overfeed in case it triggers a bacteria boom.

[Cacatuoides]

Oh my....sorry to hear your mishap.... one thing I didn't try was to change water while my fish are raising fries in the tank, never what will happen too..... really a pity to have lost your Ap. sp. Algodon fries....but I'm sure they'll breed again for you soon!!!

Did you net out your fries and raise them up in a separate tank?

[wks]

Eman, now the female apisto is also not well. She just stay at the back of the tank with her head up. Even her favourite bloodworm cannot lure her out.

[Cacatuoides]

Maybe you want to try taking the female out for de-worming or "yellow bath"?
If both fish is not doing well then try treating them inside the tank and then change water....

[wasabi8888]

Hi wks

Sorry to hear that....

Does anyone know why this happens? why bacteria boom will cause the fishes to be like that?

[wks]

Jeffrey, I suspect the rapid increase in bacteria is due to decomposition of uneaten bbs. Too much bacteria can compete with the fishes for limited oxygen supply in water. This caused the parent fish to gasp for air near the water surface as well as the demise of the majority of fries.
Fortunately, I counted 6 surviving fries after Thursday's disaster. But the mother is unable to care for her brood now as the father keep chasing her away, thinking she will eat the fries.