Discus paralysed?

[wuvarien]

Hey SD...

there was a bang in the tank and upon looking one of my discus seems to of paralysed himself?

He's currently laying on the bottom of the tank (still breathing). I've put some salt into the tank however, he's been like this for 2hrs now... Any advice?

He has no marks or any sign of infections on him

Edit/update: I've put him in a net to try to help him and the little guy is trying to swim but loses balance - I'm thinking swim bladder?

[brewmaster15]

Matt,
Sometimes they literally do knock themselves out if something sets them off and they jump into the lid. Best you can do is turn the lights off and let it recover undisturbed. Hopefully it comes to soon. You might see so.e black areas when if it does.

Al

[jeep]

I've seen them lay on the bottom for a day or 2 in bad cases. All you can do is turn lights off and let it rest. Hopefully it'll recover from this...

[wuvarien]

Thank you guys - I've turned the lights off now.. I'm pleased he seems to have a little bit of movement compared to this morning but it's still so sad to see him just laying there!

[CliffsDiscus]

I seen some Discus laying on the tank floor usually from a shipment. They can lay flat for a few days then they will struggle to swim upright. You can turn up the air the current will help them swim upright.

[wuvarien]

He's now head standing, not sure if this is better then him laying on his side but time will tell!

[brewmaster15]

Matt,
Since he is moving a bit now, I would add 1 tablespoon salt per 10 gals water.. just to help with stress.

al

[LizStreithorst]

I'd also lower the water volumn to help with osmoregulation.

[wuvarien]

Still no change this morning - fish laying on it's side

[brewmaster15]

Matt it can take awhile. Fingers crossed it recovers for you.

Al

[wuvarien]

Update - not looking too great - breathing seems to of slowed but he does "try" to swim when touched

[brewmaster15]

That its trying to swim is still a good sign.
I dont want to get your hopes up but it may still recover.

[wuvarien]

Thank you Brewmaster!

I've taken him out and had a good look, no signs of any damage or infections. When in the pot outside of the tank he trashed around but becomes stationary once in the tank

[CliffsDiscus]

One hobbyist was using his thumb and forefinger to hold up his Discus. I asked him how long can he stay in that position, he said not too long but he placed 2 rocks with the fish between the rocks.

[wuvarien]

I got him to have a little swim about by doing what Cliffsdiscus suggested and holding him, but soon fell back onto his side

http://youtu.be/3Y1RvHIUlMc?si=iOFAasbnfEyCBr0K



*Note* the white is sand where I've recently transferred from one tank to another