Hi.

I am sorry Peppy is not behaving normally.

Before you investigate/treat specific problems with Peppy, the most important thing with fish is the water quality as this most often causes the health problems we see in fish.

So it is important to get a sample of the water tested as this may show dangerous build ups of toxic chemicals such as ammonia or nitrate or the pH may be incorrect.

Also it is important to make sure the temperature of the water isn't too high as this will cause a fish to slow down and become less active.

Make sure the tank hasn't been moved to a draft or in direct sunlight.

It might be worth getting a water sample but then afterwards performing a water change (change about 1/4-1/3) of the water and make sure you replace it with dechlorinated water (either use a chemical dechlorinator or let the new water stand in a bucket for 24 hours as this will remove the chlorine)

My suspicion is that the water quality won't be perfect and is causing this problem and I am sure your local aquatic centre will test the water for you. It should be easy to rectify with water changes and improved water filtration.

I hope this answer is helpful and you manage to get him improved quickly

Regards

Dr Dan Makin