Sick Male Dwarf Guorami - Help!!’

[Mab362]

When my partner and I woke up this morning our male dwarf Guorami was on the bottom of our 10g tank lying on his side and having trouble breathing. He has not moved in the hours since. We can’t figure out what’s wrong with him - please help!
Tank/Fish Info:
1) Male dwarf Guorami on his side, breathing heavily, may be bloated, tries to twitch occassionally and can’t move, no skin discoloration or lesions, has pooped several times this morning
2) ammonia - untested but we use stability daily
Nitrite - O
Nitrates - unknown
Temp - 80 F
3) 10 gallons, 4 months
4) Aqueon quiet flow filter
5) 7 fish - 2 Guoramis (the other female is totally fine - smaller than male), 3 Cory catfish 1inch each, 2 guppies 1 inch each
6) we changed the water this morning hoping to improve the guoramis state, changing 1/3 of water
7) we’ve had them for 4 months
8) Nothing new to the tank
9) they eat dried brine shrimp - no changes to diet

 

[SaraB]

Don't take this the wrong way but your tank is overstocked. Dwarf gourami need 15g for just the 1.

That being said it could be a variety of things causing your gourami to be sick.
1. Internal parasites. Will cause bloating and your fish will start "scratching" on decorations and white stringy poop.
2. Being bullied. Since it's just your one fish being affected I would guess this is it. Do you notice him being chased by the female or the guppies?
3.He could be severely constipated. Again since none of the other fish are affected so this could be it. Have you noticed him poop lately? You can try feeding him a cooked peeled pea or fasting him for a few days. If it helps try feeding foods with a bit more moisture like frozen blood worms a couple of times a week.
4. Ammonia spike. You should test it.
What's your weekly water change schedule?

 

[Mab362]

We ordered an ammonia test kit so that we can do that as soon as possible.
His poop is normal and he actually pooped many times yesterday. We tried to feed him a pee but he won't eat any food.
He is still lying on his side and occasionally tries to flop around to move, but cannot get himself vertical.
He has developed black discoloration on his lower fin, but is breathing more easily today.
We still have no idea what caused this and would love any more input regarding what we could do to help him get better!