My convict cichlid has a bent back and can't swim. Is it swim bladder?

Thanks for reaching out about your fish. Antibiotics rarely help these conditions if placed in the water, as fish don't absorb antibiotics through the skin, gills or drink it. Systemic antibiotic (injections) could help. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess, determine a cause, and plan a diagnostic/treatment protocol. Acetazolamide in the water can occasionally help. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Tank. A radiograph or blood work could help provide answers. Radiographs could show a fluid/pus filled swim bladder. Injectable antibiotics could assist. There is little that can be done at home. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A bent body is often a spinal disease, possibly a dislocation or fracture. Vitamin C deficiencies are common if the the pellets or flakes are not replaced every few months. Trauma, infections or stray electrical voltages are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Wolfy. Floating upside down is a serious concern, possibly involving the swim bladder or intestinal tract. Typically additives to the water are not absorbed systemically but the salt might help decrease osmotic imbalances in the body. A radiograph could help determine if fluid is filling the swim bladder, and then systemic antibiotics could be administered, probably vi injections. Good luck.

I am sorry for your loss. Without an exam, it can be difficult to determine the cause of death. Possibilities include constipation, severe swim bladder disease, dropsy (kidney failure), other infection or trauma. If you have other fish in the tank, monitor them for similar symptoms. You should also test the water using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee.

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A curvature of the spine can displace the swim bladder making swimming difficult. Vitamin C deficiencies (scurvy) can cause spinal deformities and is usually the result of old food. Fish food should be purchased new every 2-3 months as vitamin C degrades quickly. A veterinary visit is recommended for radiographs to determine the status of the swim bladder and determine if antibiotics are needed. Radiographs might also determine if anti-inflammatories for spondylosis can help. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bacon. If a swim bladder infection and over-distention (causing the floating), systemic antibiotics are needed. Melafix will do little to solve this problem as the medication is not absorbed into the body. Systemic antibiotics are recommended, as in injections. A veterinary visit would be necessary for the prescribing. Check and correct water quality, as this is required for health. Good luck.