I_am_Elmo

I read an interesting article in Advanced Aquarists about this, the writer said lower salinity is less stressful for the fish, and "could" be used to help with acclimitising fish or getting finicky fish to eat. It did state in the article that they shouldn't be left in there for extended periods of time, from memory is was about 2-3 months.

The scales were sticking out all over, not perpendicular but on closer inspection - it looked almost prickly. I'm just thinking what I should replace them with, another dilemma

I was told they need vege for their immune system and protein for growth so fed the flakes and shrimp. Vege's not a good idea? On closer inspection (of the dead fishie ) the scales were all sticking out but because they are smallish scales I couldn't notice. All bad news.

Having read up a little on dropsy, it looks like that is it Now, my question is should I remove the fish, or wait til it dies? My fire mouth had it too. I don't want it spreading....

His scales appear normal, just dull in colour. It's eyes look a little bulgy and cloudy, i thought at first it could be pop eye. I'll get a photo up soon. The food is the same as all the others, flake(vege) and chopped shrimp

I had a firemouth recently die, after it's belly bloated massively. I thought it was just fat as it still swam around and ate. My Geo surinamensis is now hiding away and not eating, it's colours are dull and now it's starting to show signs of a bloated stomach. What could this be and what could the treatment be? Any help?

Apparently there is also a place that sells the special straw in the Thames region. I heard it was something like pea straw or something?? And that works well for duckweed, so I assume would work for most things that dig high nutrients

I'd recommend geophagus surinamensis too, neat fish and really pretty. I've had two (now only one as of last week) and they are peaceful and shimmery. They grow fast as babies then slow down. Like to dig in the substrate too http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa13 ... 050044.jpg

Does anyone know any good locations around Auckland that may have some? This all sounds very cool

They can be fun, I had a breeding pair a while ago. I fed them earthworms (about half the size of the axolotl) or mosquito fish so a bit of activity for them. Or you can just stick your finger in the tank

When I first got them they fought a bit, but then they chilled out. They did this wierd thing where they rub each other head to tail side by side and usually hung out with my firemouth. All in all it's a pretty relaxed tank. Hmmmmmm I'll test the water, hopefully that will provide some insight. I'd hate to think of losing more

Are G. surinamensis known for just dying? I've had two for almost a year and they have developed very nicely; size, colour and taily things on their fins. I got home the other day and one was dead. No other fish are showing any sign of sickness or damage. I did a 40% water change not even a week ago, and haven't tested the water yet. And do these fish get lonely cos the other one is sulking in the corner now. It stills feeds but hardly with the vigour they normally show, also the constant gravel sifting has stopped. Any help?

Ha, that's cool, if I find it I'll touch it and find out. Good to know it could be beneficial. Oh, and does that mean if it curls up it's definately ok?

I have this in my tank, I know I should get it out but can't be bothered and can't fit in any of my shrimps mouths and have no fish so should be ok

All very helpful although very confusing, I think I'll get my sparky dad to sort it out for me