RIP "the Little Guy"

I've titled this encouraging a fish to eat as this is what my brain is telling me I need to do...

Basically one of my sparkling gourami has a bit of fin damage so I'm not sure what may have started this, but he is looking very thin and is swimming lethargically resting on the horizontal anubias leaves 'sulking'. I have done a little water change and cleaned the filter but I think the chances of little guy surviving the night would be vastly improved if he would just eat something... any tips??

Edited to add: he'll come to the surface but doesn't seem to be that interested in the food other than looking at it...

Thanks Sue, I'm preparing for the worst as I agree that the outlook isn't good... you have reminded me that in have some of that gel based food in the little sachets which I'm going to try now, also using dimmed light to try and encourage him a little...

Fingers crossed.

Sue has suggested what I would have suggested ie live/frozen food (but your gel version should also be suitable) or garlic (although I've never tried that one as I only learned of it in the last couple of years since using the forum). I've also read of people feeding Repashy Soilent Green to fish with loss of appetite or with swimbladder problems, to good effect - however, I've no experience of using it myself and I can't comment on whether it's any better than what you're already trying.

With goldfish, I might have recommended a dose of aquarium salt in such a situation, but it seems that many tropical fish don't respond well to that, so probably best avoided.

Fingers tightly crossed for you both.

Nope I'm afraid to report that having just returned home after being out all day, the little guy is looking to be on a definite downwards spiral.  If he makes the night there will have to be some serious thought tomorrow as to what course of action would be most in his interest... 

Well decision made...

A massive water change completed as peacefully as possible with maximum gravel  cleaning, removal of any plant matter which didnt look in absolutely perfect health and the creation of some hiding places.  With a bit of luck I'll be nursing this guy back to health.

Extra effort to be made tonight to feed him.

Off to research what meds might help and will probably do a mini dose in the main community tank.

Wish me luck!!

So glad to hear that he has eaten. 

Today has been designated a feeding up day and tomorrow will probably also be.  Once, hopefully, the little guy has regained some strength, he'll be put into a salt dip... have done 3 feedings today, can't be sure how much was eaten but anything is better than nothing, and being such a tiny fish a little goes a long way I suppose! 

the little guy

"the little guy" passed peacefully just now.

He had a happy life 

My attention now turns to his friends in the hope that they will not meet the same fate.
It can be so easy to find abnormal behaviour when your looking for it, but the others are eating well so I am hoping whatever it was, is not infectious.

@Matt so sorry to hear that the little guy has passed away. 
I was hoping that things would be more positive after you managed to feed him.
My thoughts are with you and the rest of your gang.