single fish gasping at the surface!?

Question

the tank is relatively new and this is the second batch of fish. these are all zebrafish and one (the largest) has been gasping pretty much ever since we got him. and now he looks like he's on his way out as he's struggling to stay upright, gasping, only one moving fin. is there anything i can do quickly or is he a goner? also any ideas as to why just this one? the others seem fine

Update:

i've lifted the filter up further so it's creating a waterfall into the tank even more to try and improve the bubbles situation. might be too little too late though

MAE · Accepted Answer

It could be that when being transferred to the new tank, the fish's equilibrium was thrown off, which causes unbalanced swimming, which causes the fish's gills to not function properly. If the fish can keep upright for long enough, it's equilibrium could re-balance itself, but if not, and it starts swimming upside down or sideways, it's probably a goner. Sorry. :(

Losing fish sucks. </3

Best of luck!

Calla · Answer

If you didn't put your tank through a nitrogen cycle prior to introducing the fish it's most likely toxic water that killed your first batch and is now affecting the second - the tank is cycling with them in it and making the water very toxic
Have a read here
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php

Could be a weaker fish and is more intolerant of compromised water quality
For right now - a 25% water change and see if that helps a bit
As to if it will make it is anyones guess, but the partial water change will help the rest if your water parameters are spiking

A test kit so you can keep on top of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates as the tank becomes established would be your tanks best friend right now - partial water changes accordingly

Good luck

Howard Brindley · Answer

Perhaps there isn't enough o2 in the water. Like a bubbler

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single fish gasping at the surface!?

3 Answers