Gourami & Constipation

Gourami are freshwater fish that are extremely susceptible to constipation. One cause of constipation is a spleen or intestinal iridovirus. Currently, there is no cure for this virus in fish. Fish owners should not jump to conclusions, however. Less harmful swim bladder conditions and general stomach upset similar to that in humans, can also cause constipation in gourami..

  1. Gourami

    • Gourami are a group of fish known scientifically as the Osphronemidae family. These fish have disk-shaped bodies and can grow up to 28 inches long. Gouramies are often kept as aquarium fish. For smaller gouramies, tanks that hold anywhere between 44 and 55 gallons of water usually suffice. Tank owners should give gouramies pellets, lettuce, spinach, oatmeal, aquatic insects or flakes for food. Larger gouramies can diet on earthworms, crustaceans and other fish.

    Gourami Iridovirus

    • Like humans, gourami are susceptible to viral infections. Iridoviruses are one of the more common type of viruses that affect gouramies. The iridovirus family includes many different kinds of fish viruses that range in size between 130 and 300 nanometers. These viruses have icosahedral, or 20-sided, capsids that store DNA. These viruses infect both freshwater and saltwater fish.

    Iridovirus Symptoms

    • Certain iridoviruses infect the spleen and intestinal tract of gourami. Infections in this area result in dark colors appearing on the outside of the fish. Internally, body cavities of the gourami fill with clear fluid. This and other factors cause the infected gourami's abdomen to swell drastically in size. Mortality rates of fish with spleen and intestinal iridoviruses can range from 0.5 percent to 50 percent. Currently, there is no cure for these types of iridoviruses in gourami. Quarantine a gourami from the rest of the fish in the tank if it begins to show symptoms of iridovirus.

    Other Sources of Constipation

    • Spleen and intestinal iridoviruses are not the only source of constipation in gourami. The fish could have potentially injured itself, which would result in some abdominal swelling and possibly constipation. If the gourami appears unscathed but still refuses to defecate, feeding it a frozen pea may help. Another source of constipation could be a swim bladder disorder caused by either a virus or bacteria. The introduction of a general fish antibiotic will cure the disorder if it is bacterial.