What's going on with my Flame Angel?

[kayvon77]

Hey guys, anyone know what's happening with my flame angel. I have seen him swimming pretty weird lately and today has just gotten worst. It's like he doesn't know what's up or down...

 

[Tahoe61]

No that is not good. How long have you had the fish, do you have a QT?

 

[kayvon77]

I have had him for about a month and half. He has been good for the most part. I did see some ich on him in the last week but it goes and comes back. I just installed a UV Sterilizer, but I'm not sure if the ich is related.

 

[kayvon77]

Yes, I have a QT

 

[Tahoe61]

Well QT'ing him for Ich with the parasite present in the tank seems counter intuitive. With that said the fish may be symptomatic with the parasite because it's otherwise compromised by another factor. Flame Angels can be hard to acclimate especially if nutritionally challenged either because of parasites or less then ideal feedings. It's not uncommon to see sudden death of Dwarf Angels shortly after purchase.

No expert so I am not going to speculate on parasite vs bacterial. The fish does look a little skinny in the image. The link below might give you some insight until @Humblefish or mel chimes in.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fish-diseases-101.189284/

 

[Humblefish]

Seems like he's getting weak, doing what I sometimes call the "death roll". Struggling against the flow. Also looks like he might be breathing heavy. Is this accurate?

I would catch him and put him in QT ASAP, especially since you saw ich on him.

 

[kayvon77]

I don't see him breathing really heavy. Surprisingly he is still eating.

I'm gonna fire up the QT right now

 

[Humblefish]

I don't see him breathing really heavy. Surprisingly he is still eating.

I'm gonna fire up the QT right now

See any marks on him? Like from a coral/nem sting or bite mark.

 

[kayvon77]

Nope nothing.

I gave him a freshwater bath and now he's in my Quarantine tank. Should I start copper treatment?

 

[melypr1985]

Nope nothing.

I gave him a freshwater bath and now he's in my Quarantine tank. Should I start copper treatment?

No flukes came off him?

 

[kayvon77]

Didn't see anything, but again it was a white bucket. He's pretty loopy still

 

[4FordFamily]

Sometimes they act goofy like this with swimbladder issues, at the beginning of the video this fish looks quite healthy and strong and then starts behaving strangely as we all see.

It's true similar behavior is usually the beginning of the end but I'm not 100% convinced. A QT can't hurt and if it has Ich that certainly isn't helping - the spots you see on the exterior are nothing compared to what is often going on in the gills, which could leave a fish weak and suffocating.

I can't lie though I'm stumped but my gut tells me this is probably not good. Keep us posted

 

[kayvon77]

Ok will do

 

[melypr1985]

Sometimes they act goofy like this with swimbladder issues, at the beginning of the video this fish looks quite healthy and strong and then starts behaving strangely as we all see.

This was my first thought as well. I just don't see any swelling in the abdomen, but there isn't always obvious swelling.

 

[Humblefish]

A swim bladder issue is all I'm left with now as well. But unless a gas bubble can be seen, I don't think there's anything that can be done about it.

If a gas bubble DOES present itself, then look into this as an option: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/venting-a-swim-bladder-black-cap-basslet.219954/

 

[LetItReef]

Possibly stress. How big is the tank is in?

 

[kayvon77]

Possibly stress. How big is the tank is in?

29 gallon

 

[kayvon77]

So I put him in my QT tank, and dosed it with Pimafix and Melafix as well as Marycyn Two. Look at him now. Looks like he's doing much better now?

 

[Joey waid]

Glad to see it's doing better!!!

 

[melypr1985]

he does appear to be doing better. Awesome!