Fox face bloated stomach, hiding

[Surfratphil]

my foxface I’ve had for 5 years suddenly developed a bloated stomach and hides. Usually first to the feeding frenzy, now doesn’t come out. He has been the perfect reef fish, and am very worried. All other fish doing great. No aggression, all else seems fine. Water parameters in check. Please help

 

[Humblefish]

Can you post a pic? Is he still eating? Might just be a case of simple constipation.

 

[Haubfather07]

Can you post a pic? Is he still eating? Might just be a case of simple constipation.

I'm actually having the exact same problem. Here is a link to a video:
I have pictures too but the video shows better I believe. Anything you'd recommend me trying would be appreciated!

EDIT: IDK why the quality is so bad. I'm re-uploading now.

 

[deedubz]

I'm a fan of Epsom salt. It's a laxative and can be dosed at 1 tbsp per 5g of water volume. Can be repeated two days later. Alternatively, you can use boiled peas. Take the skin off, squish them into smaller pieces, and feed(a little at a time). Most fish, at least mine, will eat them anyway

 

[Haubfather07]

I'm a fan of Epsom salt. It's a laxative and can be dosed at 1 tbsp per 5g of water volume. Can be repeated two days later. Alternatively, you can use boiled peas. Take the skin off, squish them into smaller pieces, and feed(a little at a time). Most fish, at least mine, will eat them anyway

Epsom into the DT? No adverse effects to other fish? Or should I put him in his own and try the two suggestions? Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[deedubz]

I'm a fan of Epsom salt. It's a laxative and can be dosed at 1 tbsp per 5g of water volume. Can be repeated two days later. Alternatively, you can use boiled peas. Take the skin off, squish them into smaller pieces, and feed(a little at a time). Most fish, at least mine, will eat them anyway

If you do Epsom salt make sure it says USP.

Also, take a bowl of tank water and try to dissolve as much as possible before pouring it in. I didn't do that the first time and it really ticked off my nems and coral

 

[deedubz]

Epsom into the DT? No adverse effects to other fish? Or should I put him in his own and try the two suggestions? Thanks for the quick reply!

It might clear everyone out
In small quantities, like 2 doses 2 days apart, there's no real concern. If you were to dose that daily then sulfate could become one

 

[Haubfather07]

It might clear everyone out
In small quantities, like 2 doses 2 days apart, there's no real concern. If you were to dose that daily then sulfate could become one

Epsom dosed.. keep you posted! Thanks again.

 

[deedubz]

Epsom dosed.. keep you posted! Thanks again.

Absolutely. Good luck!

 

[Haubfather07]

Absolutely. Good luck!

Hey man, I just wanted to say thanks again. Only one dose of the Epson salt and 2 days later he's out from hiding and isn't nearly as bloated! Still a bit fatter but going down and still not eating but for sure many steps in the right direction! Convinced you saved my fish man! If he isn't eating tomorrow I'm going to dose again.

Any thoughts on if I should be performing a larger water change this weekend to flush it out of the system, or just resume normal? Basically just making sure you wouldn't recommend any follow up actions.

 

[deedubz]

Hey man, I just wanted to say thanks again. Only one dose of the Epson salt and 2 days later he's out from hiding and isn't nearly as bloated! Still a bit fatter but going down and still not eating but for sure many steps in the right direction! Convinced you saved my fish man! If he isn't eating tomorrow I'm going to dose again.

Any thoughts on if I should be performing a larger water change this weekend to flush it out of the system, or just resume normal? Basically just making sure you wouldn't recommend any follow up actions.

Sorry for the delayed response.. I haven't been feeling too hot the last few days. A waterchange isn't necessary, though it wouldn't hurt either

I'm glad there's been some improvement. Have you tried soaking food in garlic to entice him into eating again? Also, have you seen any stringy white poop to go with the bloating?

 

[Haubfather07]

Sorry you haven't been feeling well, have you tired drinking some Epson salt? hahaha..

I haven't seen him poop at all, watching for a long while. However in the past (prior to the incident) he didn't have stringy looking poop at all. He is nibbling at some food today (pellets in the morning), I'll feed the tank frozen RF this afternoon.

Any suggestions for ongoing to prevent issues again? I'll perform my normal water change tomorrow afternoon 15%.

 

[deedubz]

That's great that he's eating again! I was asking about the poo because that would be a sign of parasites. Since you've seen nothing, I'd be inclined to think he was just backed up/constipated. I really wouldn't stress too much. Sometimes this just happens... Unless you feel you're overfeeding. In that case I'd just tone the food down a bit

 

[deedubz]

Oh, since he's eating.. If he's still bloated after second dose of salt I'd try the peas. Just plain canned peas without skin

 

[deedubz]

Sorry you haven't been feeling well, have you tired drinking some Epson salt? hahaha..

I haven't seen him poop at all, watching for a long while. However in the past (prior to the incident) he didn't have stringy looking poop at all. He is nibbling at some food today (pellets in the morning), I'll feed the tank frozen RF this afternoon.

Any suggestions for ongoing to prevent issues again? I'll perform my normal water change tomorrow afternoon 15%.

Haha.. Just caught the Epsom salt remark. I definitely don't need a laxative right now!

 

[Big G]

Any suggestions for ongoing to prevent issues again?

Does your Fox Face eat nori, or other veggies like spinach, lettuce? More fiber is good. I quit feeding my fish flakes and pellets completely. @jsker inspired me to make fish "smoothies" using 7-8 different kinds of frozen cube foods: mysis, fish eggs, brine shrimp, seaweed, and other mixed cubes. Take one of each, place into tupperware and let "slump" in the fridge. Add something like Selcon and mix a bit. The mix will stay good for a few days in the fridge. The fish love it.