lungfish issue

[Hecklad]

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

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.

NEED HELP: my lungfish escaped the tank on Saturday night and took a nasty fall of almost 3 feet. As of right now he is having trouble with (seemingly) his swim bladder, likely because he probably hit the bucket next to the tank stand on the way down which caused some kind of internal damage. Initially he didn't struggle the way he is now, but seemed to have a little difficulty swimming, situation has only grown to this point this afternoon. Is there anything I can do to help him?

I have moved him to a 5 gallon bucket with only a few inches of water so that he doesn't have to struggle to get a breath. Is this a situation where I will just have to wait it out or can I do something?

Aside from the fall the only other things I can think of are that I added sand and driftwood in Saturday, while the chances are very small, I suppose there could be the possibility of a contaminant on/in either

 

[kno4te]

I’d try waiting it out and see if it resolves on it’s own. If not could add some Epsom salt 1 tbsp per 5g.

 

[Rocksor]

His muscles maybe bruised, hence the funny swimming

 

[Hecklad]

I will definitely add some epsom. I have talked to some others and they also said seems like letting nature take its course, whatever that may be, is the best. Hoping he can pull through as he is the first fish I ever bought and what got me into the hobby. I appreciate the responses

 

[pga7602]

I will definitely add some epsom. I have talked to some others and they also said seems like letting nature take its course, whatever that may be, is the best. Hoping he can pull through as he is the first fish I ever bought and what got me into the hobby. I appreciate the responses

Any updates? My Lungfish is doing the same.

 

[Hecklad]

Any updates? My Lungfish is doing the same.

Sad to report about two weeks after I made this post he passed, I think partially due to a fungal infection he developed. I tried dosing with malachite green but it didn't make a dent in it. Mine had stopped taking food after the first week, so if you can I would recommend giving as much as it will eat a day within reason just to see if the extra nutrients might make a difference.

 

[dogofwar]

Sorry to hear that he passed. It's easy for lung tanks to get nasty as lungs are such messy eaters. I've actually had good luck with Pimafix for knocking down fungal infections (use it at full dose or slightly more).

 

[Hecklad]

Had been dosing religiously with pimafix and melafix that first week, didn't have any effect so I tried malachite green for a few days before he passed. The fungus had progressed to the point where his eyes were glossed over and had fin rot.

 

[pga7602]

Sad to report about two weeks after I made this post he passed, I think partially due to a fungal infection he developed. I tried dosing with malachite green but it didn't make a dent in it. Mine had stopped taking food after the first week, so if you can I would recommend giving as much as it will eat a day within reason just to see if the extra nutrients might make a difference.

Thanks for the follow up. Mine doesn't have any visible indication as to why it's having buoyancy issues and it's killing me to watch him constantly trying to right himself up.

 

[Rocksor]

Thanks for the follow up. Mine doesn't have any visible indication as to why it's having buoyancy issues and it's killing me to watch him constantly trying to right himself up.

Buoyancy could be the result of an internal bacterial infection. I would use Seachem Kanaplex for the full time and dosage. If that doesn't work, move on to Seachem Sulfaplex.