What's wrong with my Hoeven's Wrasse?

[Brandon218]

I was feeding the fish today and noticed my Hoeven's wrasse acting strange. It was just laying on the substrate breathing heavily. Once I took a picture it started to swim around but not eat. It's still swimming around with its mouth open and breathing very heavily. I have had him for over a year.

 

[drawman]

Have you made any new additions lately (even other than fish)? A picture would be beneficial as flukes/velvet could be considered.

 

[Brandon218]

I have not made any new additions. (Fish or others)

 

[Brandon218]

I will try to upload the video clip. There are no visible imperfections

IMG_4237

• Brandon218
• Aug 16, 2017

 

[Humblefish]

Looks like he's got his mouth stuck open. Any bristleworms in the tank he might have eaten?

 

[Brandon218]

Looks like he's got his mouth stuck open. Any bristleworms in the tank he might have eaten?

Yes, there are lots of those in the tank.

 

[Humblefish]

Yes, there are lots of those in the tank.

That might be the whole problem then. If he tangled with a large one, it might still be stuck in his throat. Now much you can do except wait & see, and hope for the best.

 

[Brandon218]

That might be the whole problem then. If he tangled with a large one, it might still be stuck in his throat. Now much you can do except wait & see, and hope for the best.

It's hard watching him just swim in place (against the current) and not be able to do anything to help out.

 

[4FordFamily]

Unfortunately, it does not sound good

I don't know what to offer other than that, time is the only "cure" to this, to my knowledge.

 

[Brandon218]

Unfortunately, it does not sound good

I don't know what to offer other than that, time is the only "cure" to this, to my knowledge.

Thank you for the support. I'm hoping that he makes a turn around!

 

[Maritimer]

I hope so as well, and completely understand his discomfort.

~Bruce, who grabbed a rock - and a worm - a couple of weeks ago.