Why did my convict cichlid die after swimming sideways and bleeding?

Infection, old age, poor water quality or poor nutrition are all possible causes. The "wound" may have been post mortem, caused by being eaten by tankmates. Monitor tankmates for signs of illness or infection (red spots, fuzzy spots, swelling, lack of appetite/activity, etc.). Submit a water sample for quality testing or use a home kit to test for chemical imbalances. You may need to perform water changes, treat with chemicals or treat with antibiotics or antifungals depending on symptoms. You can request a consultation to discuss the situation in more detail.

Thanks for reaching out about Lenny and including a photo. By the description it sounds as if he has a swim bladder, hyper-inflation, spinal problem, or possible gas in the intestinal tract. A veterinary visit is recommended as radiographs are probably needed to assess the condition. Antibiotics might be needed, requiring injections and not additives in the water. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Grandfish. If the water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates) have been tested and normal, other considerations should be considered. Intestinal parasites or infection, liver or kidney disease, a gastrointestinal obstruction are just a few of the possibilities. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with a diagnostic and treatment plan. 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.

Without an exam or necropsy, it would be difficult to determine. It may have been post mortem changes or a systemic illness/infection. Fish's blood, like most animals, contains hemoglobin (to transport oxygen). When that is broken down, bilirubin and biliverdin is released. Excess biliverdin can color the blood green if not filtered. There is a species of lizard with green blood due to elevated levels of biliverdin. I'm sorry for the loss of your fish. I hope this provides a plausible reason for you as well as peace of mind.

Cichlids can become aggressive when breeding, so if you have more than one male in your tank the spot in question may be an injury. As long as the aggressive behavior stops, the fish should heal. Minor infection can usually be managed by maintaining water quality and water parameters. Test the water to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. Partial water changes can be done if levels are above 0.25ppm (parts per million). A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, treat minor infection, reduce stress and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days adding just enough salt to replace the water being changed. If the condition spreads, separate the fish out to a hospital tank and use a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

I am sorry to hear about it. Altered buoyancy is usually due to a swim bladder infection/inflammation. Possible abdominal tumors can often cause these problems as well. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.