Black cap basslet bloated belly?

RMS18 · Oct 29, 2015

I purchased this guy from divers den 2 weeks ago. When I first got him he was very scared and didn't show himself for almost 4 days. On the 4th day he finally started to eat and continues to eat. I have in him qt. But I am noticing his belly looks bloated. I have treated the tank with prazipro. It's stomach just doesn't look right, from every picture of have seen of these fish they look more linear. What do you think?

Humblefish · Oct 29, 2015

Black Cap Basslet is a deep water species, so I'm guessing this fish wasn't properly decompressed by the collector.

Not much you can do with a fish so small except wait & see if the gas bubble(s) diffuse on their own. I would contact LA immediately about this.

melypr1985 · Oct 29, 2015

so to hear this. Wish we could help

RMS18 · Oct 29, 2015

Well you guys did... At least humble was able to help with a diagnosis. I called dd and gave them a update.

melypr1985 · Oct 29, 2015

Well I hope he makes it for you or DD at least makes it right for you.

Naiad · Oct 29, 2015

I can't believe a DD fish came like this... this tells me that they are no longer QT like advertised. This shows usually a week or two after collection and is common in these guys when brought up in a rush. [emoji35]

Humblefish · Oct 29, 2015

Bmwm235i said:
Well you guys did... At least humble was able to help with a diagnosis. I called dd and gave them a update.

You could attempt this: http://reefbuilders.com/2011/12/01/...s-simple-procedure-correct-downswimming-fish/

But first you want to be sure LA will compensate you if the fish dies. I know Black Caps aren't cheap.

Humblefish · Oct 29, 2015

I also recommend reading through this thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/wrasse-swimbladder-issue.202289/

RMS18 · Oct 29, 2015

Humblefish said:
You could attempt this: http://reefbuilders.com/2011/12/01/...s-simple-procedure-correct-downswimming-fish/

But first you want to be sure LA will compensate you if the fish dies. I know Black Caps aren't cheap.

How sure are you that it is definitely suffering from this air? Before I go sticking the fish with a syringe I want to be sure lol.

Humblefish · Oct 30, 2015

Bmwm235i said:
How sure are you that it is definitely suffering from this air? Before I go sticking the fish with a syringe I want to be sure lol.

It all lines up with improper decompression (since this is a new fish that is a known deep water species) and thus, gas being trapped inside the fish's swim bladder.

However, below are all the other reasons (I know of) why a fish might have a bloated belly:

Edema (possibly caused by an internal bacterial infection)
Constipation
Tumor, or some other kind of internal growth

If you wanted to try a less invasive approach first, try feeding the fish a peeled boiled pea and dose 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per 5 gallons of water. Both are probably only useful for constipation, however.