Kole tang with swollen abdomen

[tenurepro]

Hi All,
I had this kole tang that’s been in my tank for 4 month; I qt’ed him in cuperamine and did two rounds of prazi before adding him to my display. He looked good in the display, eating and gaining weight
Two days ago, he was absent from morning feeding, noticed him swimming on the bottom of the tang, appearing to be ‘panting’

Today he was also missing from morning feeding, and afternoon feeding. Near light out, I saw him on his side near the corner of the tank so I managed to net him (in itself a bad sign). I inspected him and I don’t see any obvious marks or spots but he has a swollen abdomen.

Not sure what to do... I put him in my fuge for now (as I have another fish in QT and I don’t want to mix up possible diseases).

Any ideas of what is causing the abdomen swelling and possible remedies?

 

[tenurepro]

Oh, all other fish in the tank are fine and eating and behaving normally. Parameters are good, 79f 9dkh 430 ca 35 ppt salinity 1 nitrates 0 phosphates

Here are some pics

 

[Humblefish]

Any number of possibilities: gas bubble in his swim bladder, growth of some kind, or even simple constipation.

Is he still eating or has he completely stopped?

 

[Humblefish]

Is his head pointed up or down when he swims?

 

[tenurepro]

Any number of possibilities: gas bubble in his swim bladder, growth of some kind, or even simple constipation.

Is he still eating or has he completely stopped?

Has not eaten in 2 days would be my guess. Would constipation also lead to lethargy and panting?

 

[Humblefish]

Has not eaten in 2 days would be my guess. Would constipation also lead to lethargy and panting?

It's possible. The tricky thing here is Kole Tangs will often eat sand to aid in their digestion. Like birds eat grit. The sand is usually pooped out, but if there is blockage then Houston we have a problem. One thing you might try is to dose Kanaplex. The active ingredient (kanamycin) can cause diarrhea as a side effect. I would also dose Epsom salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gals) because that can serve as a laxative.

 

[Humblefish]

This is the other possibility I'm thinking: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/venting-a-swim-bladder-black-cap-basslet.219954/

I just cannot be sure what it is.

 

[tenurepro]

Ok, I only have Epson salt at hand so will try that for the night; thanks!

 

[tenurepro]

Put the fish in a hospital tank with a bubbler and epson salt. His abdomen is clearly swollen and can’t keep himself upright. Seems like swim bladder issue

 

[Humblefish]

Seems like swim bladder issue

Venting (as outlined here) is the only chance he's got then...

 

[tenurepro]

Sadly, he passed away last night in the hospital tank. I am keeping a close eye on the rest of the tank in case it’s contagious; they seem to be doing fine for the time being

 

[Humblefish]