Zebra Danio, sideways and 'fat'... asap please

Prometheus

Prometheus

Luke 22:35-36
Nov 3, 2003
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NW Indiana
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History.... 55 gallon tank 11 months established.

2 penguin 330 filters, plus air stones, power head (runs 2 hours day top), heaters... blah blah blah...

tank temps are contant, levels are appropriate (ie: pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, gh ect. ect.)

Other tanks mates are fine (proper fin spread, eating fine, normal gills ect. ect.):
2 bala sharks
5 zerbra danios (6 total)
6 neon tetras
2 scissor tails
1 pleco
5 albino cory cats
3 diamond tetras

Current issue:

1 Zebra danio thats looked 'pregant' for about 4-6 weeks.

Tonight I goto feed and see it swiming sideways / sinking then trying it again.

At the moment I have it in a 2 gallon sterlite (rubbermaid type) clear container as the filters in the tank kept trying to suck up the danio...

It's basically laying on the bottom of the tub barely moving... what can I do?

edit to add:
My question is, am I (the danio anyway) going to have babies, or a dead danio in the AM?
 
The danio won't have babies in isolation because danios are egg-layers -- the female needs a male of the same species with which to spawn.

It sounds to me like you will unfortunately lose the danio soon. From what you describe the fish has had severe swim-bladder problems, or perhaps an especially bad bout of constipation (danios are prone to this). IMO, it wouldn't be inappropriate to consider euthanasia in this case -- one good method is to put the fish in a cup of water and place it in the freezer. From what I have read, this is a humane way to end the life of a fish that is suffering with a terminal illness. But do whatever you're comfortable with. As far as I can tell, it is unlikely you'll be able to cure the danio at this advanced stage. I'm sorry for the tough experience you've had.
 
if you do the cup in the freezer thing, its much like the danio dieing in its sleep. so it is considered the more humane method of euthanasia.

im sorry for your loss 8(
 
I just got home from a long day of work and thye danio is still live,

The danio is still alive, but continuing with the fat sideways swim / float / sinking thing...

I will consider the freezer thing before I goto bed tonight. I want to give him (her) a little more time..... :sad
 
BTT.

Only and hour or so left before I go to bed, any last toughts?
 
I unfortunately don't think there is anything you can do to save the fish at this point -- at least, I don't have any treatment ideas that I think would be effective. The only other problem I can think of that the danio would have is dropsy, which doesn't offer any more hope for recovery at this point. I would just say to do what feels right for you given the fish's condition. I wouldn't want to influence you either way, and you shouldn't feel guilty no matter what you decide. Again, I'm sorry you have to go through this sad situation -- I can sympathize. :(
 
Before I went to bed it started showing signs of improvement...

But tonight it's back to square one. It is still by itself in gallons of water (Every night and morning I swap the water for 'fresh' water.

I'd hate to kill it, but it's better than a painful death....
 
More movement basically... But now the danio is back to the lathargic state... not moving much or often.
 
If you do have to kill it, the quickest way to kill it without turning your stomach is to get cold water and put ice in the water until it is "headache" cold and just dump the fish in. As I understand it, the slower way is much more stressful and the fish can feel the crystals forming in their body. I haven't tried this way, but I understand it is much quicker.
 
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