Spotted Gar swimming abnormally

[Nixxan99]

Have you tested your water?

No

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

41-50%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every two weeks

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I did a 40-50% water change yesterday and the gar seems to be affected in some way, his back side seems to be heavy and doesn’t move that much but his head and mid parts vibrates when he is trying to swim. I noticed this behavior 4-5 hrs after the water change. He havent been fed for like 36 hrs. FYI I live in Sri Lanka and its pretty hard to find a water testing kit. I also have a Silver Arowana with Gar but it doesn’t seem to be affected in any way.

 

[kno4te]

Sounds like an injury. Is the tail end floating up and head downward?

 

[abominus]

Post a pic. My gar suffered from something similar.
Hao

 

[Hao]

Yeah, sounds like it injured/broke its back. Would need photos/videos to further confirm what's going on.

 

[Nixxan99]

Sounds like an injury. Is the tail end floating up and head downward?

The opposite actually, the head try to swim, but the tail seems to be heavy and downward

 

[Nixxan99]

Yeah, sounds like it injured/broke its back. Would need photos/videos to further confirm what's going on.

 

[tlindsey]

View attachment 1547651

Definitely a injury and agree with everyone probably jumped or swam hard into side of the aquarium. I don't know about older gar but younger gar can be spooked easily.

 

[Nixxan99]

Definitely a injury and agree with everyone probably jumped or swam hard into side of the aquarium. I don't know about older gar but younger gar can be spooked easily.

Is there any treatments for it?

 

[tlindsey]

Is there any treatments for it?

Tbh in some cases it can improve but may remain permanent. Only recommendation is keep water parameters stable.

 

[Hao]

View attachment 1547651

Yep, looks like it damaged it's back. Best thing is to be patient and it might heal up over time (after many months). Should start eating again in a few weeks.