One of my juvenile engineer gobies (El Chapo) has been acting out of character the past 3 days or so. I’ve had these 2 gobies for 6-8 months without any issues. Tank has been running about 18 months. About 3 days ago I found Chapo swimming freely around the tank aimlessly and seemingly confused, and at times swimming vertically. Typically Chapo is burrowed in his tunnel.
Yesterday I found him swimming towards the front of the tank near the sand bed, again seemingly confused and not knowing where to go. I moved a rock near where he was staying and he’s taken a liking to it, wrapping his body around it. Still not eating.
Same thing today. Did a 50% water change today (as I needed to regardless) but the behavior has been much of the same. Some labored breathing at times and then perfectly fine. Chapo will also swim around and then come back to his new rock and lay somewhat sideways, which is concerning. I see a few small white spots, but I don’t know if they are new as he’s typically burrowed and only comes out for feeding. But I haven’t seen any signs of flashing or other signs of ich. Doesn’t look like velvet to me and all other fish in the tank are fine.
I have not moved him into a QT yet as I don’t want to unnecessarily stress him out.
Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. I’ve attached a few pics too.
Some of the pictures appear as if there are more spots on him then there actually are as you’re seeing specks on the glass.
Yesterday I found him swimming towards the front of the tank near the sand bed, again seemingly confused and not knowing where to go. I moved a rock near where he was staying and he’s taken a liking to it, wrapping his body around it. Still not eating.
Same thing today. Did a 50% water change today (as I needed to regardless) but the behavior has been much of the same. Some labored breathing at times and then perfectly fine. Chapo will also swim around and then come back to his new rock and lay somewhat sideways, which is concerning. I see a few small white spots, but I don’t know if they are new as he’s typically burrowed and only comes out for feeding. But I haven’t seen any signs of flashing or other signs of ich. Doesn’t look like velvet to me and all other fish in the tank are fine.
I have not moved him into a QT yet as I don’t want to unnecessarily stress him out.
Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. I’ve attached a few pics too.
Some of the pictures appear as if there are more spots on him then there actually are as you’re seeing specks on the glass.