Kole Tang Swim Bladder Issue

[marxman]

Hello all,

A few days ago I noticed my Kole Tang swimming nose down in my tank. I also noticed a small lump on both of its sides. I assumed this to be a swim bladder issue so I moved the Tang to a hospital tank. I did not see any injuries to the fish so my assumption was that it was perhaps a bacterial infection. The tang has been in the hospital tank for 1.5 days now and I have treated with some broad spectrum antibiotics, Seachem Kanaplex.

I checked this morning and I can see that the lump seems to be a little bit larger and the fish is upside down, but still breathing and swimming a bit.

1) Can anyone suggest any other treatments to try?

2) Is there anyway I can help the fish remain upright in the hospital tank? It just looks so uncomfortable.

thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Generally, when a fish is upside down, that is termed moribund, close to death. There is often nothing that can be done at that point. If you post a short video, I might be able to assess it better.
Jay

 

[marxman]

That's what I was afraid of.. the swelling seems worse than yesterday, and the medication hasn't seemed to help.

In the video (if you can view it) you can see his breathing is quite slow and you might be able to see the swelling of the bladder.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

That's what I was afraid of.. the swelling seems worse than yesterday, and the medication hasn't seemed to help.

In the video (if you can view it) you can see his breathing is quite slow and you might be able to see the swelling of the bladder.

Oh, the swelling that you are seeing are actually it’s ribs, they are showing because the fish is really thin. I’m afraid there just isn’t any way to bring a fish back from this.
Jay

 

[marxman]

Oh, the swelling that you are seeing are actually it’s ribs, they are showing because the fish is really thin. I’m afraid there just isn’t any way to bring a fish back from this.
Jay

Thank you for taking a look Jay. I didnt realize that the tang is considered thin, the tank is fed once a day. I guess I'll take a look at the feeding regime.

Thanks again.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thank you for taking a look Jay. I didnt realize that the tang is considered thin, the tank is fed once a day. I guess I'll take a look at the feeding regime.

Thanks again.

I have almost two dozen tangs and they need minimum three feeding. Even with two, multiple feedings necessary. Consider an auto-feeder to feed while you are absent and make one of the feeding a small variety of frozen foods containing fats and amino.
LRS herbivore diet or fish frenzy is a good food.