Discus Fish Not Eating/Inflamed Gills

[NicksTanks223]

Yes before everyone comments that this is a saltwater fish forum I understand that. I am just trying to get as much feedback as possible. I got 3 new discus fish about 2 1/2 weeks ago. After a few days them being in the tank my older 3 discus had something that looks similar to discus plague. That is treated now for the most part. Only one out of the 3 new ones have not eaten since I got him. I’ve been treating the tank with salt, api e.m. Erythromycin, and api general cure. But that’s not the only problem. To me it looks like his gills might be inflamed or something because of how far they are sticking out. He has also been breathing hard since I added him in. Any idea what this could be? I am getting very concerned now because for his size I would say his times running out as far as starving to death. What do I do? Thanks.

 

[fishguy242]

@Jay Hemdal

 

[stephj03]

Flukes


Praziquantel, or Prazipro.
Flubendazole.
Fluke-Tabs.

How Do You Treat Gill Flukes in Discus? – Gill Fluke Treatment | Discus Rescue

Discus gill fluke disease is a disease found on the gills of the discus fish, which is caused by small white worm-like parasites, which could be seen only with the aid of a microscope. This disease becomes visible with symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, Discus gills sticking out, bad...

discusrescue.com

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Yes before everyone comments that this is a saltwater fish forum I understand that. I am just trying to get as much feedback as possible. I got 3 new discus fish about 2 1/2 weeks ago. After a few days them being in the tank my older 3 discus had something that looks similar to discus plague. That is treated now for the most part. Only one out of the 3 new ones have not eaten since I got him. I’ve been treating the tank with salt, api e.m. Erythromycin, and api general cure. But that’s not the only problem. To me it looks like his gills might be inflamed or something because of how far they are sticking out. He has also been breathing hard since I added him in. Any idea what this could be? I am getting very concerned now because for his size I would say his times running out as far as starving to death. What do I do? Thanks.

It could be flukes, but discus are prone to a number of issues that can cause skin darkening like this. What temperature do you have them at? I normally avoid salt with discus and if I use it, I use sea salt not plain sodium chloride.

Jay

 

[dennis romano]

I have four wild discus. The old timer discus keepers said that when gills get distended, it was flukes, too much urine in the water or burns from chlorine. Go to "Simply Discus". It is a forum for discus keepers. They have an area that deals with discus disease.

 

[NicksTanks223]

It could be flukes, but discus are prone to a number of issues that can cause skin darkening like this. What temperature do you have them at? I normally avoid salt with discus and if I use it, I use sea salt not plain sodium chloride.

Jay

Sorry for late reply. I have the tank at 85°F. He seems to be doing a little better now, before he was staying at the top in one corner but now he is swimming around some. He is still not eating though. I am using special aquarium salt, I think it might be API brand.