I've had him about 3 years- he eats live guppies/ small goldfish. Lives alone, other than a raphael cat that is never seen. About three days ago I noticed him acting strange- hanging out at the surface in strange positions. He also has a lump about halfway between his head and tail. Looks to me like it is too far towards tail to be stomach. I put some feeders in for him but he acts like he's not coordinated enough to catch them. Water tests normal- temp. normal. nothing new or unusual in tank. Any ideals or suggestions? I thought about catching him and a feeder and feeding him- then thought I had better seek info- any offered would be greatly appreciated.
Sick Clown with lump on side
- Thread starter goupinya
- Start date
I know this sounds ludicurous. Is there a vet in your area that is able to treat serious fish problems? We have 1 vet here that specializes in fish due to the huge numbers of Arowana being kept and bred here.
The vets around here only know cattle, horses and canines. He's still hanging in there but I'm afraid my time to do something is running short. I don't know what to do and afraid that the wrong action will only make it worse. I have called every pet store i can find the number for- but mainly talk to someone who would be more than happy to sell me a membership to their pet club package but thinks a clown knife is related to something called an insane clown posse. I tried to put a feeder in his mouth last night but after about 30 seconds he spit it out. that probably really stressed him out and did NO good. He just swims in one place with his head straight down. I did notice he seems to open and close his mouth more than usual. I don't know- I feel so sorry for him. If I didn't think he had any chance of making it- i would put him out of misery- but he has fought this long...
Does the knife have problems maintaining buoyancy and balance when still or swimming?
Does he float most of the time ie. near the surface?
Does he float most of the time ie. near the surface?
i just noticed my knife had a lump too but it displayed the same eating behavior because i noticed it today during feeding while i was putting food inside the tank but he still chased after the fish and at one i put market shrimp massivore and gourami's in the tank today
Sorry for the delay in response- he is still hanging in there. Yes he was spending most of the time floating with his head almost straight down and his tail at the surface. It had been a week since he ate alot. It has now been a week since he has ate anything. He does seem to have trouble keeping his "balance" when swimming. I read some info on bloat and began medicating him with metronidazole. The first stuff I got had it in with food- which did me no good- then I found some in some tablets with three other active ingredients. I have been using these with 25% water changes daily. He is swimming around more normal, but still has the lumps and won't eat. How long can a knife survive without any nutrition? He is looking better, has food readily available, I guess he will eat when he is ready. I can't believe I caught him and actually shoved a goldfish down his throat. I guess I am lucky that didn't kill him. Desperate people do desperate things I guess, I am sooooo glad he seems to be doing better- I would feel even better if he would eat. Thanks for the advice- SNC808 if your fish is showing these same symptoms do a search for bloat and read that info- thats the route I went and like I said mine is doing better- but not "out of the woods" yet. Good luck- I know it sucks having one sick and not knowing what to do.
It's good that you manage to diagnose the problem asap. So, the trouble is a bloated swim bladder then.
Keep us updated on the condition of your knife. Best luck!
Keep us updated on the condition of your knife. Best luck!