Help! Sick JD!!

[invisible1130]

I have a Jack Dempsey that I've had for about 8 months or so. He is in a 46 gallon tank, water param's are excellent. temp about 82 degrees. He hasn't eaten in a few days and he seems to "breathing" heavily. He has a small bulge on the bottomside of his belly. I've been researching on the internet all night and have seen many topics on bloat. He doesn't seem to have the white poo or the scales sticking out. He seems more active tonight than last night. I'm not sure what else to look for or what to even treat him with. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!!! :help:

[Slevin]

I'd do a large water change and hope for the best. Also adding some salt to the water might help.( not table salt. They sell salt that is good for freshwater aquariums at most pet stores.)

[invisible1130]

DId a 50% water change. he is eating and the abdomen doesn't look as bulged. Do you think it could be constipation? he wasn't interested in the pellets but was interested in worms. ???

[Slevin]

I don't have much experience with this sort of thing. Is it pooping? if it is its not constipation. Ive really never heard of this sort of thing. It doesn't sound like bloat. is it active? does the lump have a color?

[invisible1130]

I don't have much experience with this sort of thing. Is it pooping? if it is its not constipation. Ive really never heard of this sort of thing. It doesn't sound like bloat. is it active? does the lump have a color?

I wouldn't even call it a "lump"...it really just looks like he's got a "pot belly" like he's fat. His fins aren't clamped. It seems now his only symptom is that it looks as if he is breathing hard. however, he's not hanging out at the top for air. He's just never done this before and the other JD's mouth pretty much stays shut and looks as if it's not even breathing. I've been looking all over the interet and cannot seem to find any information. :huh:

[Slevin]

Is it getting bullied?