Why isn't my cichlid fish moving her tail? Is it a spinal injury?

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A bent body is often a spinal disease, possibly a dislocation or fracture. Vitamin C deficiencies are common if the the pellets or flakes are not replaced every few months. Trauma, infections or stray electrical voltages are also possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Copper and including photos. Fractured or luxated back can be due to trauma, vitamin C deficiencies, stray voltage electrocution and other problems. The only way to determine a spinal fracture is through a radiographs. Support care with anti-inflammatories and pain medications could pull this little one through, but must be able to eat. Check and correct water quality, as pristine water important for recovery. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie. A curvature of the spine can displace the swim bladder making swimming difficult. Vitamin C deficiencies (scurvy) can cause spinal deformities and is usually the result of old food. Fish food should be purchased new every 2-3 months as vitamin C degrades quickly. A veterinary visit is recommended for radiographs to determine the status of the swim bladder and determine if antibiotics are needed. Radiographs might also determine if anti-inflammatories for spondylosis can help. Good luck.

Cichlids can become aggressive when breeding, so if you have more than one male in your tank the spot in question may be an injury. As long as the aggressive behavior stops, the fish should heal. Minor infection can usually be managed by maintaining water quality and water parameters. Test the water to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. Partial water changes can be done if levels are above 0.25ppm (parts per million). A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, treat minor infection, reduce stress and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days adding just enough salt to replace the water being changed. If the condition spreads, separate the fish out to a hospital tank and use a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

Thanks for reaching out about Tank. A radiograph or blood work could help provide answers. Radiographs could show a fluid/pus filled swim bladder. Injectable antibiotics could assist. There is little that can be done at home. Good luck.

Keep her in the hospital tank until she heals. maintain adequate water quality and temperature via frequent water changes, filtration and the use of a small, submersible heater. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt) can be used as a general tonic to reduce stress, increase gill function, treat minor infection and aid in recovery. Dissolve up to 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess fin condition.

Thanks for reaching out about your fish. Water quality or aggression by other fish should be considered. Testing water quality for pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, correcting any problems. The fins should re-grow is the problem is corrected. Good luck.