Symptoms
Swollen abdomen, clamped fins, lethargy, hiding, refusal to eat. Stringy white feces trailing from vent.
Early bloat is easy to miss. Daily observation catches it before day 3 when mortality climbs.
Causes
Improper diet (too much protein) + poor water quality + stress = intestinal protozoan explosion.
New introductions, temperature swings, overstocking, and low oxygen trigger outbreaks.
Treatment Protocol
Metronidazole 5mg per 10L water for 10 days. Fresh dose after 50% water change every 48 hours.
Combine with epsom salt (1 tbsp per 40L) to ease intestinal blockage. Raise temperature to 30°C.
Prevention
Feed spirulina and veggie-based flakes to Malawi mbuna, not protein-heavy foods. Herbivores need plant matter.
Maintain excellent water quality. Weekly 30% water changes, nitrate under 20ppm.