Bloated blue dolphin

[cturcios]

My 8 month old blue dolphin has recently become visibly bloated, and now stays at the bottom of the tank in one spot. He (I think it is a male), does not eat all. I had been feeding my fish another type of fish flakes (Wardley's cichlid flakes) which were not filling to them.

I went to my local Petsmart store to get some advice, and was told that I could feed my fish "Nutrafin Max" complete flake food for all tropical fish. The other fish seem to have no problem with it, but all my sick fish does is look at me and hides.

Prior to this, he always followed me as I walked around the tank from different sides,(even after I had already fed them), and became agressive with any of the other fish if they approached the glass towards me.

It may seem strange to some people, but I talk to my fish through the glass. I feel that they can hear my voice through the vibration of the glass. Because of this, I believe we have developed a close relationship.

Now, I am really worried for him. What can I do to help him?
Is there any hope for him?

:confused:

[SGypsyMermaid]

check your water parameters...ammonia, nitrites, nitrates. how often do you change the water?

[cturcios]

I have been advised to do a 25% water change on a weekly basis. This is what I have been doing since he was very small without any problems as a result. He is still in the same condition.

[cturcios]

I almost forgot. I have been doing some reading on your forum which gives advice for bloated fish (intestinal infection). If he does have this, where would I be able to get the antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Ampicillin to give him treatment?

[SGypsyMermaid]

you may have to get those meds from a vet...i've never used them. merlyn would know. you could check petsolutions.com, petwarehouse.com, etc.

[cturcios]

I'll do that . Thanks for all the advice. I'll let you know how it went.