Sick Jag. What could be wrong?

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pcfriedrich

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Apr 2, 2008
1,600
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North Central Florida
My Jag quit eating a few days ago. Now he is floating on his side, bowed in the middle. The middle of his body is protruding above the surface of the water, his head and tail are sagging. He's just sitting there moving his pectoral fins. every once in a while he swims around, but it seems to take a lot of effort, then he just floats back to the top.

What could be wrong? I'm thinking it could be a problem with his swim bladder. What's your opinion on what the problem could be and how to fix him?
 
Check water parameters for sure. As you may know - these guys to not tolerate poor water conditions.
 
i don't have a test kit here. If it is from poor aquarium maintenance (I will admit my diligence has fallen off recently. I got married and have been extremely busy), will better aquarium maintenance fix the problem?
 
That's a step in the right direction. I would at least get a pH test kit and nitrate/nitrite test kit OR take some water to lfs and have them check. Try and do a good water change and keep the water oxygenated with an airstone. Best wishes.
 
sounds like swim bladder to me too.
 
I'll add an airstone, and take a water sample to my lfs. thanks. they seem pretty competent there. I just kinda wanted several opinions. I've been doing daily water changes since he got sick (about 4 days now). some days he seems to be improving, others he doesn't.
 
thanks
 
add salt to the tank as well and keep your light off, i also wouldnt try and feed him right now until hes swimming a bit better, other than that continue doing what you are doing and hopefully he will recover
 
Epsom salts..
Dose your tank with "Epsom salts"
This acts as a laxative and will clear anything in his gut..
It will also draw out any fluid in the swim bladder..
If you dose the whole tank, you will need to do a waterchange of about 50% every 2 days till you finish treatment..
If possible, give him Epsom baths in a bucket or tub, use water from your tank and add about 1 tablespoon per gal..
Twice a day for 5 to 10 mins..
This is the only thing that ive found to help..
 
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