what could be wrong???

[brianjh]

I have a Blue dragon FH, for about 3.5 years now. over the last couple of weeks I have noticed that after he eats he kinda floats up to the top of the tank on his side??? never had this problem before, he is in a 120 wide with some other community fish, temp is great, water is good...kinda frustrating cuz it happened outa nowhere. he eats everything from Grand omega to aro stix and crickets. a pretty healthy diet...

he is also losing most of his vibrant colors, but he still has a huge water head...

any input would help....

Also, I ran out of food for the FH so he didnt eat for 2-3 days. He appeared to be more healthy, but when I fed him he ate his usual and back to normal @ the top of the tank. ??? I dont get it.... I ahve had my FH for a long time and dont want to see him go.

PS. I originally posted this in the hybrid section, but no help..

 

[brianjh]

also, breathing heavy.

 

[sicxspeed]

no help, you were provided some pretty good information from Big Spizz and I. But thanks for the acknowledgement.

 

[brianjh]

hey, sic. I do say "thank you "for your help. If you notice I posted (hybrid forum)@ 3:40pm, I had no reply untill 6:49pm, by bigspizz.
Also, if you noticed, I started this thread @6:35 here in the "Fish Disease and Health " which I thought was a better place for my ?'s
so in fact when I posted here, "but no help...." I actually had recieved no help.
By no means am I trying to imply that, I should have had an answer quicker, but in fact that I should post in the correct forum....

So formally sic, I say thank you for all the info you and bigspizz, have given me. I will try, see what happens and keep you guys informed......

 

[sicxspeed]

Actually, You were just looking for answers and I was being a little sensitive thinking my words weren't good enough for you, hahahaha, sorry. But seriously, does sound like the swim bladder, good luck and maybe others will chime in with more definite information

 

[beeline]

What are you feeding him? I don't have experience with FH, but usually if a fish is floating like that at the surface then he has swim bladder disorder. So Sic is correct. But you say that he only does this when you feed him? Are you feeding him floating processed fish food? It could be that he gulps air or the airbubbles stuck on the food and becomes bloated. It happens sometimes with certain types of older fish.

Feed him food that sinks to the bottom and maybe try to feed him more food that contains vegetable matter? I could be wrong, but it's worth a shot. See if it helps in the meantime until you get more advice...

 

[brianjh]

thanks Bee, Per sic and sig, that is what we assume is going on. I have started feeding him canned peas soaked in water. also sinking pellets. I noticed exactly what you said... he is ingesting too much air when he eats off the surface...he was getting better but not much, i just fear the worst. thanks for your help, and will keep posted.