Nippyfish
09/16/2009, 09:58 AM
I have a Pajama Cardinal (Sphaeramia nematoptera ) that has a case of the spins. It started several weeks ago when I noticed that she swims in a tight circle always in the same direction. It appears to be involuntary and causes her often to bump into things in the tank. She does this much of the time but not all of the time. Unlike my other Pajama Cardinals, she rarely ever stays still. My gut tells me it is not a swim bladder issue but I can not be sure. Her eyes seem to be affected too. While she is spinning her eyes will flick back and forth quickly, like they want to spin in her head too. It may be that she is just trying to focus on me as I watch her spin but it may also be an involuntary reaction. Could this be a neurological problem? Internal parasite? Perhaps it is a common issue with Pajama Cardinals? I have had these for roughly 18 – 20 months. I worry that she is not getting her share of the food because when her spinning is at its worst she is unable to do anything else.