VISITOR'S QUESTIONS
24... Catfish Problem
This is really a puzzling one, it seems as though everything
is right and yet something is wrong, however, at least in theory anyway,
if you take a good look at things then start to rule elements out that
you know for certain are ok, you will eventually end up with the correct
answer.
It does sound as though you have got quite a healthy
tank going, it also seems as though your problem is specific to your
Corydoras'. For obvious reasons you are in a better position than I
am to diagnose this problem, I can only hazard a guess, or give some
ideas, from your explanation of it.
First thing that springs to mind, considering your
aquarium is well maintained, is some kind of ailment with your Corydoras,
however, it appears as though your other fishes are unaffected. If I
were to suggest a swim bladder problem with your fish, unless it was
due to a contagious disease, it wouldn't have affected your other cory,
so how has that one gone down with the same symptoms? I'm not sure.
If there is the chance of something contagious being
in your aquarium it would be wise to remove the affected fish to a hospital
tank in an effort to stop contamination spreading. Or, it could be something
environmental that does not suit your Corydoras. I have noticed that
your pH is not quite in the range for both your Corydoras and your Tetras,
it may not be the answer but it is a step in the right direction. For
Corys and Tetras a pH of 6.5 - 7.0 would be more suitable, and a hardness
of around 4ºdH - 8ºdH. I also notice that you check ammonia levels,
however it is very important that you also check nitrite levels, which
are also very toxic, and nitrate levels, although not as toxic as nitrite,
still dangerous in high doses.
Corydoras are avid bottom feeders and therefore require
food that sinks to the bottom to ensure that they get an adequate amount
of food.
Most Callichthyids require gulps of air to supplement
their gills, could the atmosphere around your aquarium be contaminated
with anything toxic to cause your fish distress? Spraying aerosols,
painting, even smoking, all could contaminate enough to affect your
fishes.
If you haven't introduced anything into the aquarium
since your cory's, which you say is two to three months, I would tend
not to suspect a disease, although I wouldn't rule it out. Have you
any idea how old the fish's were when you bought them? If they weren't
young fish it could be down to old age, it would certainly explain their
behaviour.
I hope there is something that is of help in those
ideas and suggestions that I have put forward, quite often things happen
in this hobby that catches us all unawares, and just proves that there
is always something to learn from nature, for everyone.
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