This is a real emergency please help with raccoon!!

[Calebb8133]

So my Raccoon butterfly is acting funny the only sign of him being sick is a little divot in his scales and he will float upside-down for about 2 mins then starts swimming normal again I have him in QT right now desperately need help!!
Here is a pick

 

[NewGoby]

First thing that comes to mind is an issue with it's swim bladder, but just to be sure, can you post all of your tank parameters?

 

[Calebb8133]

First thing that comes to mind is an issue with it's swim bladder, but just to be sure, can you post all of your tank parameters?

He is just laying down now no more swimming

 

[David Waters]

I dont have any advice i agree sounds like a swimbladder but i hope he pulls through although it doesnt sound good try and keep the stress down dim lights let him rest all i can say

 

[reef lover]

#reefsquad

 

[emilios_reeftank]

I hate to say it but I don't think hes going to make it. Definitely a swim bladder issue. In my experience with this they usually live about 3-4 days and end up dying. I've read though of people feeding them garlic and sometimes they end up getting better I think. Btw I'm not a Marine Biologist so I'm not positive of the garlic method haha. Wishing you luck though man.

 

[Brew12]

What are these marks? Is it not on the fish?

 

[Calebb8133]

What are these marks? Is it not on the fish?

Those r drops of water on the glass

 

[emilios_reeftank]

Its not on the fish, if you look closer its just water drips @Brew12

 

[jsker]

@4FordFamily @HotRocks a little help please on this

If you have a swim bladder issue and the fish is eating start feeding some ground up peas

I would also suggest medicating the food with metroplex and kanoplex using focus to bind the meds to the food.

I am now see that @Brew12 is here and you are in good hands

 

[Calebb8133]

Why does swim bladder kill them?

 

[emilios_reeftank]

Is it more of an infection or like a damaged organ? @jsker I'm assuming its an infection as they can get better by eating correct?

 

[Stuartmercer]

most likely a swim bladder infection, could also that he damaged his swim bladder on something. Get antibiotics and see if that helps. He shouldn't die for a while, unless he isn't eating.

 

[Calebb8133]

What can I do?? Will small pieces of garlic work? How does this happen?

 

[Brew12]

I would also suggest medicating the food with metroplex and kanoplex using focus to bind the meds to the food.

This is great advice, imo, and I would dose the water with it, too. Internal bacterial infections can cause fish to have difficulties swimming.

Why does swim bladder kill them?

A problem with the swim bladder will cause a fish to expend much more energy to feed and try to stay upright. Try feeding small amounts a few times a day to see if that helps keep him upright.

 

[Brew12]

What can I do?? Will small pieces of garlic work? How does this happen?

Garlic has anti-parasitic properties at crazy high levels, but is doubtful to do much for you in this situation.

 

[jsker]

Is it more of an infection or like a damaged organ? @jsker I'm assuming its an infection as they can get better by eating correct?

The suggestion of the meds is a cover all. If the conscious is a swim bladder issue, the pea act as a natural laxative and clean the fish out.

 

[jsker]

Is it more of an infection or like a damaged organ? @jsker I'm assuming its an infection as they can get better by eating correct?

Yes, that has worked for myself in the past. Again you have the pro's with eyes on this thread now, and they have a pretty good handle on these type of situations.

 

[Calebb8133]

How can I get him to eat it will he try? I am gonna try peas

 

[Brew12]

Yes, that has worked for myself in the past. Again you have the pro's with eyes on this thread now, and they have a pretty good handle on these type of situations.

You gave the best advice possible imo. Antibiotics, preferably more than one type (metroplex and kanaplex being the easiest to get normally) and then the pea to help clean the system out.

Is it more of an infection or like a damaged organ? @jsker I'm assuming its an infection as they can get better by eating correct?

Just eating can work. Just like we people can recover from many infections without antibiotics. Treating a fish with antibiotics in this situation serves a very similar purpose with fish as it does with people. It gives them a better chance of surviving and recovering more quickly.

 

[Brew12]

How can I get him to eat it will he try? I am gonna try peas

Most fish will readily eat peas, even ones we tend to think of as carnivores. Most fish are actually omnivores with a preference toward either carnivores or vegetarians. Tangs are a great example. We think of them as algae eaters but they go nuts for mysis and other frozen meat based fish foods.