Help! My gars belly is all red and he’s keeping his mouth open

[Joseph1999]

I’ve had this far for about 5 months now he’s been eating like a champ shrimp and feeder fish then all of a sudden about a week ago he stopped eating. His belly got these red lines and he’s keeping his mouth open all the time. I’m worried I might loose him if he doesn’t start eating soon. Can anybody tell me what might be going on. I moved him to this smaller tank for treatment but I don’t really know what to even treat him for.

 

[Caveden]

I’ve had this far for about 5 months now he’s been eating like a champ shrimp and feeder fish then all of a sudden about a week ago he stopped eating. His belly got these red lines and he’s keeping his mouth open all the time. I’m worried I might loose him if he doesn’t start eating soon. Can anybody tell me what might be going on. I moved him to this smaller tank for treatment but I don’t really know what to even treat him for.

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If there are red blood lines across the belly I would suspect septicemia. Don’t worry about it not eating, the gar can probably go a month without food.

 

[Joseph1999]

If there are red blood lines across the belly I would suspect septicemia. Don’t worry about it not eating, the gar can probably go a month without food.

Yes its red blood lines runs right between the scales but it’s like it flares up and goes away shortly after. I turned the tank heater down and that seemed to help with the flare ups.

 

[Joseph1999]

If there are red blood lines across the belly I would suspect septicemia. Don’t worry about it not eating, the gar can probably go a month without food.

I looked up septicemia and that could very well be it because it spreads to the fins sometimes also. I’ve only seen it on the bottom of the fish so far. I read it is untreatable but is there anything you would recommend to help with it.

 

[Caveden]

I looked up septicemia and that could very well be it because it spreads to the fins sometimes also. I’ve only seen it on the bottom of the fish so far. I read it is untreatable but is there anything you would recommend to help with it.

I would add Epsom salt, 1tbsp per 5 gallons. Others may know how to treat better. kno4te tlindsey

 

[kno4te]

Increase water changes and keep nitrates below 20ppm. Avoid any more live food. I’d add some epsom salt 1-3 tbsp per 5g, levamisole and maracyn2 if you can get it.

 

[Joseph1999]

Ok thank you I’ll try that

Increase water changes and keep nitrates below 20ppm. Avoid any more live food. I’d add some epsom salt 1-3 tbsp per 5g, levamisole and maracyn2 if you can get it.