I've got a bit of a dilemma. My jade eyed cichlid appears to have a swim bladder disorder and has had problems of buoyancy for quite a long time now. During the day he normally floats just under the water pointing directly down. However at feeding time he is just as interested in eating as he ever has been which is why I haven't got the clove oil out. It's quite sad to see him struggle to eat but he must be feeling perfectly okay oh he wouldn't want to eat.

Now this is my dilemma, should I keep him alive whilst he seems quite happy to eat? Many people have paralysed dogs that are perfectly happy that can't walk properly. I hate situations like this.

Sad news to hear and i sympathise with you. It's one of those catch 22 situations really isn't it. My mum who breeds a different fish i know (Angel fish) has kept some of her fish with this problem alive for up to 3 months believe it or not. They've done cartwheels and stuff but always responded at feeding time etc:. I used to say she was being unfair on the fish but she said they where her pride and joy so while they where able to feed she'd allow them to live. It wasn't until it got to the stage where it was safe to say they where beyond help she'd use clove oil in a hospital tank. Either way my thoughts would be while your Oscar seems lively enough to feed and doesn't look too much in distress then why not just enjoy what time you have left with him until it gets to the stage where you even realise it's gone too far.

Sad news none the less.

Brucemarc

i just had the same type of dilemma with my female tiger oscar. she acted like a normal oscars but it was obvious that the growth in her abdomen was an issue. i let it go for about 5 weeks before i made my decision. i feel for you i know what your going through.

i say let him live until he gives up !!!!!!! you say hes been like it for a long time ...so he may be used to it now just like dogs with a limp etc.....

ya i have heard of poeple tieing somthing to the fish and then they fload normaly


but let him live i say

Try adding a couple drops of garlic juice to pellets and/or feeding peas. I've also heard adding epsom salt to the tank helps sbd, not sure about that one though.

Good luck,
Art

sorry to that you have swimming bladder problem. i totally agree
with the rest, let the nature take its toll. however, i would like
to share this one instance i had with gold fish having same concern.
i put it in hospital tank, with enough water to swim, not too deep
nor too shallow. put some methylene blue, pure salt to enhance oxygenation,
and soaked whatever food it takes to garlic oil before feeding. it was able
to recover and live for another three years with me until i sold them to
new owner.

hope this one will works for your jade eye cichlid.