is this just old age or something more?

[hshar1]

:help:
We have been keeping lake malawis for 5 and a half years, they were quite large when we got them from a reputable retailer. Over the years we have had them breeding so there are some in there that are younger. Water tests etc fine, nothing has changed.

However we have now lost 2 fish in 2 weeks and several others are thinning though eating well and all other signs are fine, active etc.

Is this just that they are old? How long do they generally live,

many thanks
hshar1

 

[mostlycichlids]

Has anything in the tank changed? Any fish added, any new rocks/driftwood introduced, anything? Malawis can live on the upside of 10years. There are factors that can reduce a fish life expectancy. For example stress, water, and other things. It may be old age but I kind of want to lean towards disease. Maybe possible internal parasites?

 

[hshar1]

Hi, no nothing has changed for approx 2 years. The age thing was as we had brought them as large fish we cannot be sure of the age when we got them, however some of the ones we bred 2/3 years ago have still not reached the size they were.

 

[Coler]

Hmmm...so its the ones you bought when bigger that are dieing but not the ones that are most likely younger ?

Could indeed be old age. 8 - 10 years is about right for malawis, so if they were 2 or 3 when you bought them that is not out of line.

Any skinny fish in there ? normal poop etc ?

 

[Rbishop]

Just for some help..what size tank? How many fish and what specific kinds?

You said the water is fine, but what are your readings? And on your tap. Has it changed recently? Last water chnage and how frequently do you change water?

 

[Coler]

However we have now lost 2 fish in 2 weeks and several others are thinning though eating well and all other signs are fine, active etc.

Sorry just re-read your post - so you have fish which are thinning though eating well. That would say internal parasites to me.