Urgent help needed. Sick Lap

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Slayer2533

Slayer2533

Polypterus
MFK Member
May 13, 2017
344
294
87
37
Hi guys I need some urgent help. Recently I noticed one of my laps has been having difficulty swimming. When he tries to swim he kind of rolls around like he doesn't have full control.

Initially I didn't think too much off it as I had just done a massive water change and thought he might come good. I also noticed he could still get to the surface for air. However after work yesterday I noticed he tried to surface and it was so bad he just kind of rolled around when he tried to swim upwards for air so I quickly netted him up to the surface and put him in a net hospital box at the surface with only an inch or two of water so he can get air.

I also added some aquarium salt. I believe he has a swim bladder issue. Not sure the cause maybe the large cool water change or his tank mates might have been stressing him out as he has a few nipped fins hard to say. I generally do two 80 percent water changes per week so water quality probably isn't the issue.
He is nice and fat at this point but I don't believe he is currently eating.

Any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has experienced a similar issue with a bichir unable to swim straight and upright but not floating please let me know if you were able to save it and how.

I really love this guy and don't want to lose him :(
 
Would move to a qt tank and reduce the water level so it can right itlsef up and stay up. Would add some Epsom salt 1 tbsp per gallon and add some kanamycin. Monitor and watch. Reduce stress. Best of luck. Update as it progresses.
 
  • Like
Reactions: clm08k and Vancouver_98683
Thanks for the advice. I actually just added some Epsom salt I have on hand. Not familiar with kanamycin. Where do you normally find it?

I will move him to a qt tank today just got to workout where to set one up lol. So many tanks yet not one suitable to qt a bichir for qt right now. I'll make some space somewhere.
 
Kanamycin is in a biotic. Can’t find it sometimes in the local fish store or you may have to order online.

Just for clarification the Epsom salt’s is 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons. I forgot to put the number five in front of gallon.
 
No usually I change with cooler water from my hose. It's not an issue as it's very hot here even now in autumn is crazy. But yeah I think will need to buy one of those python things for the cooler months. I have changed my water the same way for nearly two years first instance I have seen of something like this. Thanks for the clarification on the epson salt dosage. Is it fine to just run a heater and airstone in the qt tank as if I raise the water level more to support a sponge he probably won't be able to surface to breathe.

Alternatively I could put a net tank within the qt tank then sit it an appropriate level and include a sponge. I plan to do daily water changes anyways. What are your thoughts?
 
Change the water daily. It should be fine with a heater and air stone.
 
Maybe the fish got trumatize when you put a cold water, ive seen this alot on polys and i actually experiance it my self, big WC and big difference with water temp can give a fish truma.
 
  • Like
Reactions: magpie
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom