HELP - Hippo Acting Strange

[Amazon4]

Worked late yesterday - came home and noticed the hippo (5-6") hanging out in one area. He is normally zooming all around.

Color is good. But seems a little tipsy, side-to-side. And not out actively swimming, but not hiding.

Wasn't sure if they were fed tonight (husband was out) so I opened the cover and they all came up for a but of food. The hippo too. But he only took in a small amount of food, and not with his usual vigor.

I've been observing him for at least 30 minutes. He stayed in less that 2 square feet or area - out in the open. His tank mates come and bump him - trying to get him to join in.

He'll swim a small, awkward circle. Again, his lateral balance is off. His mouth looks a little strange, like it's stuck open a little. But like I said, he did eat.

Any ideas? Had him since he was 1.5" This is extremely distressing.

There is an rbta and a scribbled rabbtwreath in the tank.

Thanks for any help. I really don't want to lose this guy.

 

[screwsloose]

any fish added lately? is he showing signs of labored breathing?

 

[Amazon4]

I'm all for April fools.. but any "what" added lately? I'm guessing...f i s h

If so, three weeks ago a female barletts. Did not make it past two days. Bullied to death by a dominant female lyretail. It had spent two weeks in copper, then a month in another system. Not saying that nothing came in. Just didn't see that f i s h die of a disease.

No labored breathing. Just seems lost/confused.

If I've introduced some pathogen...and more losses are coming...just shoot me now.

 

[screwsloose]

they have changed f ish to fish and cora ls to corals today lol.

as far as the other goes, i was trying out rule out easy options. short of any swelling or external signs of illness theres not alot you can do besides boost his immune system with vitamins and hope for the best.

 

[Amazon4]

I suppose the fact that he's out again swimming (stationary) in the current in front of the vortech is a good sign. I'll offer him some vitamin soaked food when I get home. I hope he's still eating.

My husband fired up the webcam from work just to check on him when the tank lights came on.