Flameback angelfish laying on side heavily breathing!

[Tnops]

I just got this flame back angel a week ago and detected that it had flukes. I treated it with prazi 2 days ago (tank is being aerated) and hasn’t ate anything. It is now suddenly laying on its side and heavily breathing. It is still capable of swimming around when disturbed but quickly sinks back down. What can I do?

 

[Tnops]

I’ve just noticed that its scales are pineconed (weird bloated on both sides). Seems like there is no saving even though it still has some energy. But what caused all this?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I’ve just noticed that its scales are pineconed (weird bloated on both sides). Seems like there is no saving even though it still has some energy. But what caused all this?

Sorry - just seeing this now. It sounds pretty bad, but if the fish is still alive, pics and video would help.

Flukes can cause secondary bacterial infections, even internal ones, that might account for the bloating and protruding scales (kidney infection).


Jay

 

[Tnops]

Sorry - just seeing this now. It sounds pretty bad, but if the fish is still alive, pics and video would help.

Flukes can cause secondary bacterial infections, even internal ones, that might account for the bloating and protruding scales (kidney infection).


Jay

I just woke up and it is still alive! I gave it an epsom salt bath right after I originally made this post

here is a video:

Flameback

youtube.com

The bloated areas on both sides are pretty hard to capture on camera

 

[Tnops]

Here is a video I took of it when I first noticed the problems. The bloating is pretty easy to see here

Flameback 2

youtube.com

 

[jaganshi066]

Sorry I can’t be of health but I really hope he makes it, I have three and I love them other than the aggression part

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Here is a video I took of it when I first noticed the problems. The bloating is pretty easy to see here

Flameback 2

youtube.com

Well, I don’t see anything that would lead me away from my first guess - internal bacterial disease. These are really difficult to treat. You could try erythromycin / Maracyn 1.
Jay

 

[Tnops]

Well, I don’t see anything that would lead me away from my first guess - internal bacterial disease. These are really difficult to treat. You could try erythromycin / Maracyn 1.
Jay

Do you think it is worth a try saving or is it better to euthanize it? Can you link some products that can help if I decide to treat? Thank you

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just woke up and it is still alive! I gave it an epsom salt bath right after I originally made this post

here is a video:

Flameback

youtube.com

The bloated areas on both sides are pretty hard to capture on camera

In the future, no epsom salt bath- This is a freshwater remedy. Theyre already in salt in your aquarium. A freshwater dip would have been more effective but now that fish is breathing heavy, you want to avoid this step.
Prazi known to reduce oxygen and appetitie.
I'd add an airstone to increase oxygen and also, What is your levels for:
Ammonia
nitrate
ph
salinity
water temperature

What test kits are you using ?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Do you think it is worth a try saving or is it better to euthanize it? Can you link some products that can help if I decide to treat? Thank you

Personally, I don’t think it can be saved- but fish can surprise you with their resilience. Maracyn 1 is available in most pet stores. If you have to order it, that would take too long…..
Jay

 

[Tnops]

Personally, I don’t think it can be saved- but fish can surprise you with their resilience. Maracyn 1 is available in most pet stores. If you have to order it, that would take too long…..
Jay

The angel is currently in the tank with a longnose hawk. Do I have to move either of them out to treat with the maracyn 1?