Kuhlie Loach Problem

[mama_k_e]

We just bought a few kuhlie loaches, and one of them seems to be having problems. He is lying on his side on the bottom of the tank breathing heavy, he alternates between doing this and swimming in a rapid, small circle. I do not see any other problems with him. He was doing this in the tank before we bought him, and apparently the aquarist accidently grabbed him by mistake when we bought him (because we obviously didn't want to buy this one). I'd rather save him than take him back to die, if that is possible. Any suggestions???

[mama_k_e]

Well I just realized I should have probably posted this in the bottom feeder forum, but I can't change this or delete it after it's been posted for 30 minutes, apparently. So I'm sorry about that.

[Dragon Queen]

I have a kuhli that is nick named Dizzy from circling so much over the walls of the tank, but have had him over a 1 1/2 yrs. Also I remember reading somewhere that when there isn't enough cover they can lay on their sides. Mine do that every so often as well. :dive2:

[mama_k_e]

So it is normal then? I've had kuhli's before and never seen this before. He acts like he's dying or something. He just lays there breathing heavy and when fish go by and pick at him like he's dead -he doesn't move for awhile and takes it! The other kuhli's stay "under cover" but this one doesn't. :huh:

[plah831]

Well I just realized I should have probably posted this in the bottom feeder forum, but I can't change this or delete it after it's been posted for 30 minutes, apparently. So I'm sorry about that.
It's OK, mamake. The moderators will move this thread if they see fit.

As for your khuli problem, I can't help there. I have dojos which are pretty similar, and they don't do that dizzy swimming you speak of. They do, however, lie on their side to sleep and the first time I saw it, it scared the bejeezus out of me. I thought my precious golden boy had died! But I poked him and he was fine. Those long loaches will do some funny things, so I hope yours are normal.

Oh yeah! Mine will also occasionally spaz out and swim frantically. They kick up the gravel and make a racket, too. I think it might be their "weather loach" side of them reacting to changes in pressure or other disturbances. Don't know if khulis do the same. Here's hoping for the best for you.

It does worry me that your other khulis are exhibiting different behavior :(

[FreddytheFish]

Kuhli loaches are probably the coolest fish I have kept. I wouldn't be worried about the behavior he is exhibiting, just monitor him for a little while and see if he shows any other signs of illness.

And I'll move the thread to the Bottom Feeder forum.

[mama_k_e]

Thank you so much everyone, and thank you Freddy the Fish for moving this for me. I felt like such a goof. I momentarily forgot my kuhli loaches were bottom feeders when I first posted. I tend to automatically think of them in a class of their own since they are so unique. I really do appreciate everyone's help :clap: I will for sure keep an eye on this one, though I think he finally found the hiding spot with the others, thank goodness, so now he won't get pecked at.

[plah831]

good to hear! Maybe the poor guy just had to find his groove :)

[mama_k_e]

Just an update. The kuli loach died yesterday :( I thought maybe he was doing better since he would come out and be active with our other two loaches unlike in the beginning. :huh:

[FreddytheFish]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. :(

[fishpoor]

If you've got "new" kuhlies, you might want to treat them while in quarentine. They are prone to parasites.