Wasting Harlequin

Hello All,

Long time no post. I know that Thinkfish has evolved since I was last here ...... as I have lurked from time to time.

As you can see from the title, I have a poorly harlequin (in my Rio 125). I noticed recently that one was looking thinner than the others, but otherwise it was behaving normally. Last evening I watched it trying to feed, and it always spat the food out. All the other similar fish eat the same food voraciously and look and behave as you might expect. It is now considerably thinner than the other harlies and appears to be wasting away. Externally, there are no other signs that I can see, including worms. The harlies have been in the tank for about a year.

The tank is over 5 years old now, and has been regularly water changed. My water parameters have been pretty consistent throughout. (NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 5, KH 3, GH 5-7, pH 7.6) It is heavily planted. I would welcome any advice.

I hope that you are all well and self - isolating, but with the fish, of course,
Best regards,

                                 Skittler

Hello fcmf,

I bought the harlies in two batches about 2 weeks apart. I hadn't thought of old age. It is possible that I got a grandad amongst the others. I did feed well soaked Hikari Shrimp Cuisine tonight, just to see if I could tempt him. I can't be sure if he had a pellet or not. They seemed to be too big for some of the fish, I imagine the otos and the amanos did well! I think the chopped pea will be on the menu for tomorrow. Not aware of Hikari First Bites, I will check them out. Thanks.

                                                    Skittler

That's great news. Glad to hear that your gang have enjoyed their peas.
I stud cucumbers with algae wafers and bug bites for some of my gang. I've also seen many of my fish enjoy other veggies too. My bull dog plecs, panda garras and various gobies love cucumber, and are also quite partial to baby sweetcorn. The mid-water swimmers will also have a nibble when they can get near.

You can try courgette instead of cucumber - it has a bit more food value 

Very sorry to read of this, @Skittler  - I empathise so much as I've had similar problems with some of mine becoming emaciated (albeit usually accompanying other problems such as bent spines). You did your very best for him which is hopefully of some small consolation.

Thanks both - much appreciated.

Matt - I don't know how old he was. (See o/p). I am guessing that the the breeder possibly decided that he wasn't up to it anymore. Either that, or, being old, he was easier to catch. The other nine or so all look in good condition, as do the other occupants. Hopefully we will be OK. As I said above, perhaps I was sold a "grandad".

                                           Skittler