ChocGourami Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 I just got 3 discus on Friday night. They are about 15cm. One of them is very skinny and has had his fins chewed. He is also quite a bit darker than the other 2. The previous owner said that the other two had been picking on him. When I got them I put all three into my 5ft tank. I haven't seen any bullying. Whenever I feed them the sick one will try to eat but keeps missing the food. His eyes look fine and he swims around the tank ok. I have now put this one into a 60 x 30 x 30 tank by himself. I've tried feeding him the Nova discus food that I was given with them as well as some flake, freeze dried tubifex, some small pellets and also some grated ox heart which the other 2 love. Does anyone know what could be wrong it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jolliolli Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 do you have a pic, might be a bit easier to see what could be wrong with him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Sounds like he's just being picked on discus are better in pairs that get along or larger groups to make sure you don't end up with a 3rd wheel that gets smashed up. If its eating and not too sad just keep up your water changes and good food, and keep an eye out for any fungus or anything that can get into any wounds or torn fins. Have you tried any live food to get him eating? What colour are his poo's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim r Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 Try giving it bloodworm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 Yup, bloodworm or whiteworms (better) will get it past some rough times. Good on ya for giving it a tank to itself but 30cm tall isn't quite enough for a 15cm fish. It's weak and/or ill and you need to identify the problem. The most common problem is commonly called "Hole in the Head" which starts as darkening and inability to eat and it advances to lesions on the lateral lines that look like pimples but fall off to leave holes. Treatment with Metronidazole as per this site once you've identified it, always works for me. Whatever you do, treat it as soon as possible and get it back into condition as quick as you can with lots of food once it starts eating and clean up leftover food and poos from the bottom of the tank before and after feedings. You'll have to keep an eye on the other two discus and see if they are getting along. If one starts getting picked on by the other then you need to get your numbers up to 6 to spread the agression. If they're getting along then you might have a pair and your tank should be large enough to re-introduce the third wheel without much fuss once it's re-conditioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.