nightmare, help

[Ryan Smith]

Hi everyone,

I know this isn't an angelfish forum but I assume this could be a general fish question and I really don't know what to do.

This morning I received a pair of angels via an overnight carrier. When I opened the box, the male was floating on his side at the top of the bag. I put them into the tank, and he struggles to get down to the bottom and right himself, but it's not going well.

For the most part he sits with his head pointing at the bottom and his back-end straight upwards. If he quits swimming, he rises to the top. I am assuming it's a swimbladder issue.

Is there anything that I can do for him, or is it hopeless?

Ryan

[Dennis_Hardenburge]

Ryan
I don't know if this will help at all, but the only time I have ever had a fish ( discus ) with a swim bladder problem.
I trying the lowering the water routine, tried massageing the fishes abdomen for several days, all to no avail, I was about ready to destroy the fish then decided to try an antibiotic.
I had some penicillin and used it according to the directions and within three days the fish was normal. This was two years ago and the fish has never had a relapse.
Dennis

[brewmaster15]

Hi ryan,
sorry to hear of the trouble. I'll take it as general fish question... :)

First thing I would do is add salt to the tank to relieve stress. 1-2 tablespoons /10gal.


I've had some really good luck with helping people with swim bladder problems using maracyn 2. the probelm with any of the antibiotics that might work is they take a few days to get internal at sufficient levels..

If this fish is bloated in any degree, Epsom salt may be worth a try. often times blockages , even minor ones can lead to gas buildups.

Patience may cure it on its own. Sometimes gas bubbles work themselves out.

Good luck,
al

Yes I agree,

Brew good job on lesters Discus! ;D

[daninthesand]

Ryan.

Sorry about your troubles. I cannot help you specifically on your problem., but I can tell you that I had an adult angel (1 of 3 I treated) show similar signs as you describe following a PP treatment. I thought he was a goner and basically ignored him. The following day he was back to normal and I actually could not tell which of the three almost identical angels he was.

I don't suggest you ignore the fish, just be aware that he might recover. :-\

Daniel

[Ryan Smith]

Thanks guys. I spoke with Jason this morning around the time it happened and he pretty much suggested the same thing, rock and epsom salts. Rock salt for the stress and epsom for a possible blockage.

Tonight he is better, sitting upright and seems to be stabilized as far as his balance is concerned, though (as can be expected) he's still not real happy. Hopefully a good rest tonight and a w/c tomorrow will put him in a better mood.

Ryan

[Jason]

I think he'll be fine.

I was hesitant to recomend atibacs because it seemed more likely that the problem was caused by a chill or trauma during shipping.

just plain old salt to releive the osmotic pressure on the fish and lights out!

[April]

glad hes looking better. : ))
keep us posted.
even if he isnt perfectly round and a little pointy.

Ryan,
Glad to hear he is better!

Miles :)