Fish Dying But Only Males!

[Arnold]

Hi

These past could of weeks I've been losing a lot of dwarf cichlids and other cichlids but only males! Can anyone have any ideas why?

 

[MacZ]

You have to be more specific. If it was only one species it would be likely a genetic problem, but if more than one species is affected it's probably coincidence. There is no known disease that only affects males, let alone one that does so across species lines.

 

[Arnold]

I've lost
2 Male Nigerian Red Kribensis
1 Male Apistogramma Cacatuoides
2 Male Apistogramma Hongsloi
1 Male Nannacara Anomala
1 Male Apistogramma Trifaciata
1 Male Apistogramma Macmasteri Red

Nearly lost Apistogramma Panduro Male
Treating My Male Apistogramma Nijessini.

I've treated them for internal parasites

 

[MacZ]

I would assume pure coincidence.

 

[Arnold]

They are all in separate tanks, they get fed Monday,Wednesday,Friday 50% waterchange every 2 weeks parameters are all fine. It's strange that its only males that are dying, they are still very young too

 

[anewbie]

What size aquarium, how long have you had the fishes, what other stocking and such.

 

[Arnold]

Some are in 65ltr tanks with just a pair in and some are in a 200ltr tank with some angelfish and tetras, understocked

 

[MacZ]

Just fill outbthe emergenc template please. Copy and paste here.

Template for disease/parasite/death cases

This template contains the most important questions to be answered when dealing with sick or dead fish to find causes and advise on treatments. Please copy and paste into a new thread and answer the questions as precise as possible. Water parameters should be given in numbers. "Fine" or "good"...

apistogramma.com

 

[Eddy. E.]

Yes, there are parasites that are specialized and preferentially or even exclusively infect male fish, often in connection with reproduction or hormonal differences. A classic example of this, however, is the sex-specific effect of parasites on the reproductive organs, rather than an infection that exclusively affects males.
Many parasites (such as nematodes or flukes) infect fish regardless of their sex. However, sexually mature male fish may be more attractive to certain parasites or more susceptible to their effects due to their behavior, hormonal status, or size.
While most parasites generally infect "fish," there are parasites that cause greater harm to or prefer males due to their biology. A parasite that infects only male fish is unknown in aquarium practice, but differences in infection rates and effects (greater harm to males) have certainly been documented.
The swim bladder worm (Anguillicola crassus): This parasite infects male European eels. However, this can be ruled out with absolute certainty in this case. Given this, it seems highly unlikely to me that only male fish would die, especially in different aquariums.

 

[MacZ]

After some research I also found some pathogens and parasites that specifically target male gonads. But concurring with Eddy: Highly unlikely to be the case here.

And on a sidenote: If it was the case females would certainly be carriers and stay unaffected. Which would mean there will be no more successful breeding possible.

I would probably sacrifice some fish for lab analysis at a specialized veterinarian or rather veterinary institute of a university if you are breeding for profit or have many hobby breeding projects running.

 

[Arnold]

After some research I also found some pathogens and parasites that specifically target male gonads. But concurring with Eddy: Highly unlikely to be the case here.

And on a sidenote: If it was the case females would certainly be carriers and stay unaffected. Which would mean there will be no more successful breeding possible.

I would probably sacrifice some fish for lab analysis at a specialized veterinarian or rather veterinary institute of a university if you are breeding for profit or have many hobby breeding projects running.

Woke up this morning to find that the female Apistogramma Panduro has died over night, I honestly don't know whats happening

 

[MacZ]

Please fill out the anamnesis chart. It is not just a curious case anymore, now we need information to help you.