Jawfish w/ large stomach suddenly but no mate?

[ThrillYa]

I've had a pair of jawfish for many months when after returning from a trip one was mysteriously missing. I know they can be jumpers so I check to make sure all the holes above my tank where still plugged and they where except for the smallest of holes near the overflow. Anyway, the poor guy/gal was never found.

Now after another 2-3 months the remaining jawfish is bulging in a way that would make me think he/she was very over feed or is about to give birth. I have not changed my feeding habits and all other occupants appear the same as ever.

Any ideas? Should I be concerned?

 

[WRASSER]

IMO It looks like it is a well fed fish that you havent noticed til now :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

I agree.

One important point: I think all jawfish need to learn to smile for the camera.

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like it got a big meal.... BTW, they lays eggs.

 

[sediener]

Is he swimming/eating/acting normally? I would be worried about parasites or vibrio if he is acting oddly...

- sed

 

[ThrillYa]

He's acting normal. Spends a lot of time tending his burrow as usual. The other fish do not look overfeed so I'm hesitant to cut back on feedings. Is it a bad idea to let em be overweight? (assuming that's possible) Southbeach for my jawfish?

 

[WRASSER]

maybe you are over feeding, all the food goes to the sand and the jaw fish eats every thing that is down there.

 

[Mihai]

My female mandarin gets a belly like that when it's ready to mate: then it spawns and looks normal again. Maybe they were laying eggs before and they don't any longer because the mate is missing - hence the big belly?

M.

 

[ThrillYa]

Well, I cut the feedings a bit for the last couple days and no change yet. I'll keep you posted.

 

[ThrillYa]

I am sorry to report that 2 days ago my jawfish suddenly stopped normal behavior and eating and hovered in a corner outside his burrow. He was even more bloated and had a bit hanging out his rear. It almost looked like he was just REALLY constipated. The next day he was nowhere to be found.

Anyway, he is no longer and I'm very bumbed.

 

[Anonymous]

Damn...sorry to hear that, ThrillYa.

 

[sediener]

If any of your other fish start getting bloated I would be worried about internal parasites spreading. I would be watching them carefully over the next week or two.

- Steve

 

[ThrillYa]

If any of your other fish start getting bloated I would be worried about internal parasites spreading. I would be watching them carefully over the next week or two.

- Steve

Will do Steve. Thanks for the advice. So far the other fish are doing good but I'll keep my eye on em.

Thanks
Mike