catfish laying on its side..

[rocstar629]

I have a catfish (not sure what kind) it started laying on its side and not moving for long period's of time and then it will get startled (by tapping on the glass etc.) And then swim around sporadically for a few seconds so fast you can barely see it and then return to a vegitative like state.. I don't know what I should do.. help!

[Bettababe1011]

That looks like my peppered cories. With the picture and your description, that's what mine do. Let me take another look at the picture real quick.

[Bettababe1011]

Is it laying flat out on it's side? Or kind of bobbing, or tilted a little?

[rocstar629]

It has been kind of tilted.. I have 2 of these and usually they stay together and chill at the bottom hidden. Now this one is out in the open and tilted on its side. Also it seems to be working harder to breathe than usual. They other cat is acting fine..

[rocstar629]

In the picture it wasn't tilted very much.. but during the day today he was tilted much more towards his side.

[Bettababe1011]

I'm sorry. I can't really help. We need an expert here!

[rocstar629]

Thanks for the concern anyways. If it is not acting ok by morning I will get a test kit for the water and find out what is up. Also do you feed your cats anything special? The lady at the fish store said they would eat scraps at the bottom. Are they getting enough food?

[Bettababe1011]

Originally Posted by rocstar629

Thanks for the concern anyways. If it is not acting ok by morning I will get a test kit for the water and find out what is up. Also do you feed your cats anything special? The lady at the fish store said they would eat scraps at the bottom. Are they getting enough food?

They will eat scraps, but I also feed mine sinking bottomfeeder pellets.

Also, cories are best in groups of four or more. They are vey social fish.

Get the API liquid test kit if you can. It is by far the best. I need to get a new one myself. Test the water regularly even when fish aren't acting off.

Cories are kind of sensitive fish, and do well in an established and stable tank.

Hope I've helped.

[rocstar629]

Sadly he didn't make it. He was dead yesterday morning when i went to check on him. I am going to take a water sample to the fish store and if all is well i will be getting one or two more and some pellets for food. Thanks everyone for the help!

[Pvtdgrif]

Sorry for your loss. Please get a liquid master test kit (i also recommend the API mater teat kit) and post the results so we can offer some advice to help keep your other fish alive.