Emperor Angel Laying on its side

[Andysarahreef]

Hi I’m hoping for some advice. I bought a juvenile emperor angel 3 weeks ago from a reputable LFS. The fish has been swimming happily since being introduced until yesterday. It spent most of the day at the top of the tank intermittently swimming in the wave maker with the odd journey to a cave.

Today it is now laid on its side on a flat piece of rock not moving. It currently has colour and has eaten two brine shrimp.

Water parameters are all good. Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Can you post exact parameters? Unfortunately all good doesnt give us much to work off of. What may seem normal to one may be way off for another Is the fish in a cycled display tank or in a quarantine tank? And can you post a picture of the fish?

 

[EmdeReef]

+1

Also, a fish swimming into powerheads is a symptom of velvet.

 

[Big G]

Welcome to R2R, Andy! Many LFS dose their tanks with sub therapeutic levels of copper and or other meds to keep fish healthy to sell. Usually takes about 2-3 weeks for the sub-therapeutic to wear off and the disease or parasites the fish has come roaring back with little to no warning.

First step to consider is doing a freshwater dip. It will temporarily remove parasites (flukes, ich, velvet, etc.) from the fish's gills so it can breathe better. Then treat for specific problems.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/video-how-to-do-a-freshwater-dip.286639/#post-3487082

 

[Andysarahreef]

I’ve uploaded pic. Water is nitrite and ammonia 0, nitrate is 5-10, ph 8.2, kH 10 temp 25 Celsius. Tank is a cycled display tank. I bought 2 other fish at the same time from same LFS and they both seem fine.

 

[Andysarahreef]

At present breathing looks normal (same as others).

 

[Andysarahreef]

I’ve uploaded pic. Water is nitrite and ammonia 0, nitrate is 5-10, ph 8.2, kH 10 temp 25 Celsius. Tank is a cycled display tank. I bought 2 other fish at the same time from same LFS and they both seem fine.

Oh and salinity is 1.025

 

[Andysarahreef]

Can you post exact parameters? Unfortunately all good doesnt give us much to work off of. What may seem normal to one may be way off for another Is the fish in a cycled display tank or in a quarantine tank? And can you post a picture of the fish?

ve uploaded pic. Water is nitrite and ammonia 0, nitrate is 5-10, ph 8.2, kH 10 temp 25 Celsius. Tank is a cycled display tank. I bought 2 other fish at the same time from same LFS and they both seem fine.

 

[bonjorno2]

Hope it pulls through!

 

[BeejReef]

Do you have a hospital tank?
Such a pretty fish

Don't give up on it. They can sometimes make a comeback from appearing all but dead.
I'd do as Big G suggests. Best of luck

 

[bonjorno2]

Even a makeshift hospital to treat it would be beneficial. Just mirror your DTs parameters.

 

[Andysarahreef]

Thanks for your help everyone. If it’s still got colour should I still do freshwater dip?

 

[bonjorno2]

Anything to help rid its breathing difficulties. They swim near the top and do what you mentioned when they are having trouble breathing. Maybe the FW dip will knock whatever it is off...