Reedfish slowing floating around top of tank?

[PJ1]

So today I've noticed my reedfish is kind of just drifting / floating around the top of the tank and it's definitely not normal for him. Any ideas if there's a specific reason for this?

 

[CarpCharacin]

Do you have pictures?

 

[PJ1]

Do you have pictures?

 

[CarpCharacin]

It could be a swim bladder issue.

 

[kno4te]

Hard to say. Does it try to swim down toward the gravel and floats back to the top?

 

[PJ1]

yea once in a while i see him try to dive back down. gets about half his body downward then floats back up

 

[Pomatomus]

Tough to say. Reedfish are physostomous meaning that their gut is connected to the swim bladder. They also have one lung that they can inflate and deflate by gulping air.

What is he eating? Perhaps it's due to an upset stomach an he is having trouble burping. Also, does your tank have good aeration? Perhaps he's trying to get as much oxygen as he can from the air.

 

[kno4te]

I would qt and add some epsom salt 1tbs per 5 gallons. Some times it can be due to trapped air. Would hold on feeding.

 

[Pomatomus]

Epsom salt won't hurt but it's a diuretic. It's typically used for distension from fluids. Might help the gut flora though! Probiotic food could also help such as those offered by Cobalt aquatics. A healthy stomach could mean a healthier swimbladder!

 

[kno4te]

It's been known to act as a colonic stimulant. So if it's trapped air then it'll pass that way.

It also attracts water and in the gut will soften stool to help it pass. Makes constipation better.

That's how I've known it helps.

Didn't know it acts like a diuretic. Will need to look into this.