Issue of my damselfish

[JamesZ]

Hi

I did a fairly thorough substrate siphoning and 40% water change in order to lower nitrate level. One of my fish, a damselfish seems not normal, with its head upward. How can I rescue it? It has been in my aquarium for over 3 years.

Thanks
Jz

 

[Amboss72]

The large water change may have simply reduced your nitrates and changed your ph rather abruptly. The fish maybe struggling with this rapid change. Damsels as you’re probably already aware are very hardy fish. If the fish gulped unusual amounts of air during the water change it’s possible that he’s developed a swim bladder disorder. The fish can also develop this disorder if you’re feeding a floating food that causes it to gulp air. If an enlarged stomach or intestine is causing this problem the first course of action is often to not feed the fish for 3 days and increase the water temp to 78-80 degrees. I’ve seen this before with large water changes or tank moves and as crazy as it seems it’s nothing more than the fish gulping too much air. Good luck!

 

[JamesZ]

Hi Katrina

Thank you so much! I will get it in quarantine and no food for 3 days. Hope this can save my lovely damsel.