Festae Uncontrollable Darting/Seizures

[alexmuw]

Hey guys,

I got a problem that has got me stumped.

About a few weeks ago, I noticed my 6-inch festae darting across my tank and bumping into things like she was "drunk" (it only lasted maybe 10 seconds). I just assumed something scared her and thought nothing of it. A week later she did it again (and I assumed the same thing). [She also has a tankmate, 8 inch Trimac. However, his behavior is normal and doesn't show any symptoms]

However, about a week ago (Tuesday), she starting darting and then looked like she was having a seizure. This, didn't last 10 seconds, it lasted for almost a minute. For a few days after that, she got worse. She started having VIOLENT seizures and spams 3-5 times daily. She darts into decor and continues to ram full speed into it. This has caused deep scratches and many superficial wounds.

Starting last Friday (6/25), I did a little research and found it might be an internal Hexamitia infection (however, info on this was VERY limited). Few sites said a possible treatment would be praziquantel/Metronidazole. I started treatment with Parasite Clear (as it contains BOTH prazi and metro), hoping this might work (says on label treats fish that "dart wildly and have spasms"; symptoms of internal parasite).

Today is Monday. She is very scratched up from darting into decor. Her color is starting to return, but she is still very weak. She lays on the floor and still has 3-4 seizures daily (however, they are less mild than before; I don't know if that means she's near death or seizures are less intense). I have tried feeding her Anti-Parasite Food, but she has no appetite what-so-ever (she won't eat her regular food either).


My Tank:

60 gallon
350 GPH filtration
50% w/c every week

6 inch festae w/ 8 inch Trimac/Flowerhorn (I know tank small, I plan on upping my Trimac to my bro's 150 gallon SA/cichlid tank this summer).

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 20
Temp 82

Treatment:

Parasite Clear - Full dose on Friday,50% w/c Sunday, 2nd Fulldose Sunday
Added aquarium salt @ 2 tblespn/10gal (Sunday)


I think it might have come from feeding her earthworms. I started feeding her these worms about a month ago; possibly she got a parasite from them.

Any info or suggestions would be great! I would really like to know what is causing this; as I'm just winging it.

 

[knifegill]

Earthworms aren't known to carry any fish parasites, but it could be pesticides or other soil contaminants. Were they from a bait store or...?

Does she seem to see objects around her or does she act blind? I've noticed that fish on their deathbed/extremely ill act like they can't see. But if she's recovering, she would (theoretically) show eye movement, avoid objects near her, etc.

I'd keep up the meds if they are just antiparasitics. It's usually better to treat too long than stop and regret what parasites you might have left alive.

You know your water is in really good shape, so you're doing the best you can. Have you tried soaking an earthworm in garlic water? Might stimulate appetite.

edit: temp already up.

Hang in there. Keep on doing what you're doing.

 

[alexmuw]

Thanks for the feedback Knife.

I've been keeping a close eye on her. She does move her eyes around. When I get close to the tank she shifts her eyes towards me; as if she's screaming for help!

However, a funny thing does happen. Normally her eyes are dark (blackish), but when she is about to have a seizure, her eyes will turn bright gold, as if she knows its coming.

I'll try that garlic with the earthworm. I'll try to also sneak in a few anti-parasite food pellets. Hopefully she'll eat it.

 

[alexmuw]

She died today.

Anyone have any clue on what caused this?
I checked the gills and their were nice and red (no lesions, burn marks, or "bugs" on it). Fish was not bloated (internal parasites?).

Her tank mate (Trimac) is still acting normal. Nothing wrong with him; he gets the same diet as she did.

I thought internal Hexamitia infection? What do others think?

 

[CAcichlid]

your fishes symptomes were similar to mines and i had nematodes. i treated my water with parasite clear and everything was ok again

 

[vaipulu]

im so sorry for your loss