Swim bladder problem in dwarf cory

[zenkatydid]

I have a group of corydoras habrosus - one of my favourite fish! Unfortunately one of the little guys appears to have developed a swim-bladder problem. He is eating and is otherwise healthy, but can't figure out which way is up. He spirals when trying to swim straight, and pretends he's an upside-down catfish when scooting along the substrate on his back.

Is there anything I can do to fix this? Water parameters are all good, tank (a 28gal) is a couple of years old and no other fish are exhibiting problems.

Thanks!

[Zagz]

First try feeding some small portions of frozen peas. Peel and nuke for a few seconds and see if he will eat them. It may be a constipation issue. You can also try adding some epsom salt to the water. Does he seem bloated as well?

[zenkatydid]

it's hard to tell if he's bloated as he's so tiny - about 1.5cm. it's possible, though. i will put some peas in tonight and if that doesn't work, or he doesn't eat them, i will move to the hospital tank and treat with epsom salt. thanks.

[zenkatydid]

the peas are gone today, so they got eaten by someone - and it's only cories, otos and sparkling gouramis in this tank, so it's likely little topsy-turvy got some. today he's unchanged. additionally, i have noticed another dwarf cory looks like he's got some sort of internal bleeding. he has a bloody colouration around his gut area. this is even more alarming than the swim bladder thing, so i've taken him out straight away - any suggestions on medication? on hand i've got melafix and a broad spectrum medication which malachite green.

i also did a water check just to make sure i don't have spikes anywhere, and everything looks great. ph is right on 7.0 (i don't moderate it, so who knows how that happened), ammonia/nitrite 0 and nitrate about 10. i don't get it!

[Zagz]

A broad spectrum antibiotic would be a good idea, it may be a bacterial infection in the cory with the red area. Any chance of a pic of the red spot? I know fish are hard to photograph but if you could it would help.

[zenkatydid]

too late, he died this morning the area that was red had gone an unhealthy yellow. i think he was sadly beyond saving. i hope the swim bladder guy makes it :/

[Zagz]

Sorry to hear about your one loss. I'm pulling for the other guy.