My whiskered fish is turning black. Is it a gourami or ammonia?

Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. Clinical examination should always include a water quality check, even if you have done so already. Water testing should be performed with a quality test kit, measuring NH4, NO2 and NO3. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for these signs. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. 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.

Elevated ammonia levels can result in "burns" which may turn fins and scales black. Use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a nominal fee. If ammonia levels are elevated, daily partial water changes, using aged or conditioned water, can decrease ammonia to safe levels (0.25 ppm or less). StressCoat or plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can aid in healing. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water into a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Confirm adequate filtration. The filter should be rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. You can change 20-30% of the tank water every couple of weeks. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock.

That is not a good sign. This basically means that your fish is not feeling well. The reason for this is usually either water quality or a temperature problem. You will need to have your water quality checked or check it yourself, and make sure that the thermometer is working and the water temperature is appropriate for the type of fish you have. Check water chemistry using a home test kit or by submitting a water sample for testing. Aim for 0 ppm ammonia and nitrites with a 40ppm or less nitrate level. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and maintain water quality. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Observe your fish for spots, wounds, blood spots or similar signs and if that happens ask us again, preferably with a good photo of your fish.

Black spots or discoloration can be caused by elevated ammonia levels. Test water chemistry using a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet or fish stores will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Ammonia and nitrites should be 0.25 ppm (parts per million) or less, nitrates can be 40ppm or less. Partial water chnages daily should be done to decrease ammonia levels. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Elevated ammonia levels can be caused by overfeeding, new tank syndrome or overstocking.

The black fish is a Black Moor Goldfish. The white fish is a kissing gourami. It is commonly called a "kissing fish". This species of Gourami can be very territorial. What it is doing is bullying the Moor and trying to chase it away. You may need to remove one or the other. Gouramis are best kept in pairs or small groups. Consider also removing some of the plastic plants as they may injure the Moor's eyes.

I'm not sure if you mean a gourami or other species of fish. Swimming in the motion described may be due to infection, trauma or poor water quality. Exam the fish for redness, swelling, bruising, dots or sores. Check water chemistry and water temperature to confirm species appropriate water parameters. A partial water change can be done to stabilize chemistry and maintain or improve water quality if indicated. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. A home test kit can be used to check chemistry or you can submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. I, unfortunately, cannot recommend, any medications without more information.

Hi, You will need to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates now that there are fish in the new tank. If the biofilter is not well established in the new tank, then the abrupt presence of fish will cause an ammonia spike. You should do a partial water change, ensure proper aeration of the water. There are products you can get to boost the biofilter if this is in fact the issue. You should also consider the number of fish for the just meet of gallons in the tank as overcrowding may be a contributing factor. If you need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to request a consult. Good luck!