Is my fish okay?

[Anonymous]

My 2 year old dwarf gourami has been less active for a few months. He has been like this since his tankmate died so he might be depressed. He has gotten very skinny, lost most of his color, and only eats what is left on the bottom of the tank. I feel bad for him and I don't know what is going on.

 

[SaraB]

Sounds like he's depressed. I've heard about pets getting sad when a partner dies.

 

[King Fisher]

Sounds like he may have whatever killed your other Gourami. His fins aren't in very good condition. His color doesn't look good either

 

[Anonymous]

His partner was healthy and got stuck under a decoration, I think the fins and discoloration are caused from depression.

 

[Anonymous]

(Hit send too quickly)
I got him a new partner a week after his previous one died but that one just bullies him

 

[King Fisher]

Well I don't know if I'm entirely sold on fish depression until sickness and death or if it's even a real thing. On the information you've provided so far I'd say your fish is in bad shape because it was bullied and stressed. Once sickness/disease sets in then it's a matter of trying to reverse it. Removing the bully fish for starters. Treating him for the fin damage/rot. His skin also looks cloudy white similar to Columnaris but a better picture would help to confirm things.

 

[Delapool]

Plus one on above for a gourami.

 

[Anonymous]

Well I don't know if I'm entirely sold on fish depression until sickness and death or if it's even a real thing. On the information you've provided so far I'd say your fish is in bad shape because it was bullied and stressed. Once sickness/disease sets in then it's a matter of trying to reverse it. Removing the bully fish for starters. Treating him for the fin damage/rot. His skin also looks cloudy white similar to Columnaris but a better picture would help to confirm things.

Ok, thank you. I put him in a separate tank until he was nursed back to health. He's happy and eating. Now that he's healthy, the his partner respects him. He looks like this now.

 

[King Fisher]

Awesome. Good job [emoji4]

 

[Anonymous]

Awesome. Good job [emoji4]

Thank you for your help, his fins are getting better.

 

[Anonymous]

To anyone who was involved in this conversation, I am sad to say that Finly, the dwarf gourami in the pictures, died. He was healthy and lived a full life of 2 years. Thank you so much for helping me make his last few days good for him. I saw his partner stay with him until he passed so at least he was happy.

Thank you for your help and may he rest in peace.