Multibar Swim Bladder

spartanman22 · Mar 10, 2020

I just got this guy in today. My LFS got him for me and he came directly from their supplier. I picked him up as soon as they got back from the airport. I acclimated him to my DT (I know, I know). I do not QT new fish. I understand the risks and pitfalls but it is what it is. He looks very healthy visibly. Scales have a nice sheen, well rounded and full. But he seems to have a swim bladder problem. He has trouble staying down and if he takes a break he’ll float back to the surface. Always with his left side/face at the surface.
I’m not sure entirely what to do here. He’s not breathing rapidly and doesn’t seem to be bothered other than floating. I don’t see any visible stomach protrusion. Any suggestions on what my course of action should be from here?

Big G · Mar 10, 2020

Beautiful fish. Here's Humblefish's treatment advisory for swim bladder issues. I'd hope it's the constipation from the trip in the bag to you at the airport:

Swim Bladder Disorder/fish constipation:

Symptoms - Both of these have identical symptoms, but fish with swim bladder disorder generally do not survive. So your best bet is to treat for constipation and hope for the best. The fish will swim erratically, and appear to have difficulty maintaining its equilibrium. It may appear buoyant at the surface of the water, sometimes swimming in circles.

Treatment options - Feed 1 or 2 peeled boiled green peas (same kind you & I eat). Repeat daily even if the fish’s condition improves. The fiber contained in the peas will help “push things out.” If dealing with a fish that refuses to eat, you can try Epsom salt (as a laxative) or an antibiotic such as Kanamycin (aka Seachem Kanaplex) that lists diarrhea as a possible side effect.

spartanman22 · Mar 10, 2020

I read that an added a couple boiled pees. He seems content and happy all else considered. I was going to wait 24-48 hours before doing a freshwater dip.
Is it usually the case that if there’s swim bladder issues there’s a protrusion?

spartanman22 · Mar 10, 2020

I did notice what appears to be a small piece of poop in his acclimation box and he’s a bit more active. Keeping my fingers crossed it’s just constipation. Going to dose some epsom salt to the display.

Sailfin11 · Mar 10, 2020

Very nice fish. Funny enough, I saw your post on Chicago Reefs just a bit go

I wonder if these fish are collected in somewhat deeper parts of the ocean like the Peppermint Angel. When they collect Peppermints they have to use a needle to decompress the swim bladder as they ascend towards the surface (here's a video of it being done a goldfish) because of the pressure change. So, I guess one possibility is that could be just be something related to collection.

Also, how long did you acclimate him for? Transshiped fish generally should be drip acclimated for around 1 hour to reduce stress. Overall, I think that it should pass over, but I would still watch and make sure everything is going in a positive direction. Not to personify it, but he's been through a long few days and may just need some TLC.

Best of luck with the multibar! I hope he gets better!

Big G · Mar 10, 2020

spartanman22 said:
I read that an added a couple boiled pees. He seems content and happy all else considered. I was going to wait 24-48 hours before doing a freshwater dip.
Is it usually the case that if there’s swim bladder issues there’s a protrusion?

No. Sometimes they protrude, sometimes not. It's a very frustrating condition.

spartanman22 · Mar 10, 2020

From what I understand the multibar is a deeper water angel. Ironically I’ve had several throughout my reefing career and never had this happen before. He does seem to be ok just when he stops actively swimming he’ll float to the top. Im really hoping it’s just some constipation and the epsom salt helps him get his system moving.
I drip acclimate any new fish for at least 1 hour. It’s usually 2-3 though.

spartanman22 · Mar 11, 2020

I’ve been checking to tank camera today and have noticed that he doesn’t really float to the surface anymore when he stops swimming but he will end up oriented such that his head is facing straight up. Not floating to the surface but still pointing upwards.

spartanman22 · Mar 11, 2020

He swims pretty well when he tries, but once he stops he ends up like this. Still calm breathing. I did a freshwater dip today which he responded really well to. Didn’t see anything come off him though. He is no longer floating like he would yesterday. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing.