A fish needing to burp?

[grav]

I just fed the tank and everyone seemed fine, now one of my clowns is struggling to swim down. Without fighting hard, he keeps floating back to the surface.

His gut looks huge.

Could he have taken in some air?

Starting to look pretty bad, like he is going to struggle to death trying to get to the bottom of the tank.

I almost want to catch him and help him burp.

Am I nutz?

 

[Len]

What I'm afraid of is your fishes air bladder (an organ used to regulate buoyancy) has failed. I'm not sure how or why this happened, but that's what your description makes it sound like.

I know collectors who bring up fish to fast observe this problem. Some have been known to pop the air bladder with a needle, but I really don't know if this is advisable (knee-jerk reaction tells me no). Sorry I couldn't be more help, but hopefully my hunch leads to other insights.

 

[grav]

Yea, I was thinking the same thing, but it happend right at feeding time.

Oh it's killing me to watch the poor little guy struggle.

 

[Anonymous]

Just caught this post...whatever happened? So sorry to hear about it suffering! Hopefully you will post some good news

 

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest not doing anything. It doesn't need to burp - it's the other end. Did you switch foods or was it frozen food that had been thawed too long?

 

[Anonymous]

I've read clowns are prone to swim bladder troubles like Len describes, but I've never seen it.

 

[grav]

Thanks all for the feedback.

Last night he was looking rough, was sure I would lose the fish. At times he got so tired, he would just belly up and float.

This morning he wasn't looking great, but not quite so bad.

Today after work, 100% back to normal.


Wheew!!!

Thanks again!!!

Phil

 

[HClH2OFish]

Glad the little guy is doing better.

That's my biggest problem with this hobby. When one of my animals is having an issue and I feel helpless to assist...that's why I strive to ensure my tanks are in best shape possible, which can be a daunting task at times.

 

[Anonymous]

Great news.