Vet Q&A-Fish

My male Betta fish isn’t moving

Check the water temperature. Bettas do best between 78F and 80F. Low temps can affect activity in fish. You may need a small submersible heater to maintain water temperature. Next, check water chemistry. You can do this with a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Confirm an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 40ppm or less. Partial water changes may be indicated to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.

One of my parrot cichlid has developed black eye which I don't seem to understand as to what is it exactly. Eye is swollen and a bit out of its socket. Previously it was white but now changing to black color. Due to this fish is hiding continuously and other fishes are pinching it.

Thanks for reaching out about your parrot cichlid. Melanin pigment (black) is an immune response in fish, indicating an infection or inflammation. Whether this started as n infection, trauma or other, is unknown. A veterinary visit with an experienced aquatic veterinarian, should be able to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. Always check and correct water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates). Good luck.

Is the smell of Pimafix and a Melafix bad for Tiny? My fish have fungus and fin rot, and from what I heard both medicines contain essential oil/oils (I’m not sure which). It’s kinda of strong.

Melafix contains tea tree oil. Pimafix contains Bay Rum oil. Both can be toxic to dogs, however at the concentration used this is unlikely. Tiny would need to chew up and drink the contents to be at risk of toxicity. Normal use in the tank is safe for him. Keep the bottles out of his reach.

How many snails can I have in a 55 gallon fish tank?

If you are referring to Mystery Snails, then 3 or 4 would be fine for that size tank. Some aquarists may recommend 1-2 snails per 5 gallons, but it depends on what else you plan on keeping in the tank.

Hi, one of my goldfish not moving and stays at the bottom of the tank, compares to other goldfish which able to eat and normal behavior.. But I've changed to clean water and cleanse the filter and with good nutrition food for them.. What could I help the one goldfish that long time stays at bottom of aquarium? Thanks

Since the others in the tank are behaving normally, this one may be sick or injured. Ideally, it should be separated into a quarantine or hospital tank Check water chemistry first, even if you've done it already. You can use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0ppm) of ammonia and nitrites, with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to correct or stabilize water chemistry. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent additional stress or shock. Goldfish are cold water fish and do best between 68F and 74F. Change no more than 30% of the volume at one time. In the absence of other symptoms or injury, medications cannot be recommended. You can use plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Kosher salt) as a general tonic to decrease stress, increase gill function and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 gallons of water in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity.

I need help my kid just fed his beta fish pop rocks, will he be ok, he fed him 15-20

Unfortunately in this cases all you can do is wait and see what happens as the rock may cause impaction or may be expelled with feces, coughed it up. There is nothing that can be done at this stage unfortunately. Goldfish eat literally everything so it would be best to use river rocks for aquariums or larger gravel or turtle gravel.

My fish is laying on his side at the bottom of aquarium from 2 days, finding difficult to swim and rolling upside down in aquarium... Am unable to understand this strange behavior.... What is the necessary action to be taken to make him normal....

Check water chemistry first. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20 ppm or less. Perform a partial water change to stabilize water chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Bettas do best between 78 F and 80 F. By your description, the issue may be swim bladder disease. This can be caused by infection (bacterial or parasites) or constipation. Maintain water quality as described above. Fast the fish for 3 days then resume feeding bits of cooked and shelled green peas. This will help with constipation. If this doesn't help. you can get a broad spectrum antibiotic from the local pet store. Look in the aquarium section. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert during treatment.

We just cleaned our betta fish tank. How long should we wait to put him back in?

If you have water conditioner to put into the tank you should be able to put your fish back in it after about 5 minutes. If you do not have water conditioner then you can let the water sit for about 8-12 hours and it should be ok.

My dog has pancreatitis but also arthritis is there any sort of fish oil or natural medication that I can give him

Use caution when giving any fatty supplement to a pet with a history of pancreatitis. Too much may cause a flare up or aggravate an existing case of pancreatitis. Cosequin DS or Dasuquin are excellent joint supplements that can be given to dogs. Search www.pet360.com for products. Discuss an appropriate pain management protocol with your vet to provide relief if your dog has difficulty moving around.