dwarf gourami

[kd123]

My smaller 'red flame' (?) male dwarf gourami started swelling up on Xmas evening. Has had trouble swimming upright and has taken to remaining on the top of the internal filter. His colour is fading.

Did water change Xmas morning but havent wanted to disturb him today....any ideas?

[Caryl]

Could be a number of things. Look at him from above. Do his scales stick out like a pinecone? If so, it is dropsy and no cure.

Is it possible he was attacked by a larger fish and has internal damage (resulting in the swelling)?

Constipation. Feed a shelled cooked pea.

[kd123]

Thanks caryl

Could be dropsy....hard to see him from above.

The only larger fish is another male gourami. They have been having mating battles over the past month as each has built and defended his nest.

Tried the peas but he wasnt having any of it!!!!

I will see what is happening tomorrow. He is still agile (have only tried once as the effort seems to wear him out) enough to evade capture.

[Caryl]

I suspect bullying from the larger male. Has he plenty of plant or places he can get away from the larger fish?

[kd123]

Lots of plants... I suspect you may be right although he could hold his own. He died last night. 4 days of sitting on the back of the filter.

I havent found gourami an easy fish to keep...

[Caryl]

I have had gouramis with no problems but gave up on the dwarf ones.