Banded goby not looking right

[Mariette]

I got this guy 3 mths ago. On the way home, I got my 1st view of him from the top and noticed this is right away. It’s not his spine that’s not straight. It’s his belly. It sticks out to one side. Is this normal? Also, does he look too skinny?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I got this guy 3 mths ago. On the way home, I got my 1st view of him from the top and noticed this is right away. It’s not his spine that’s not straight. It’s his belly. It sticks out to one side. Is this normal? Also, does he look too skinny?

Have you noticed it eating? Any white stringy poop?

Side picture please.

 

[Mariette]

It eats. I’m afraid we don’t have much of a pod population in DT but we alternate frozen food one day, pellets and flakes the next. He eats straight out of the turkey baster and sifts sand all day long. As of this morning, all fish are in bare bottom treatment tank for Velvet :( We’ve upped the feedings to twice a day because there’s nothing in there for them to snack on between feedings. And he’s already eating

No white stringy poo. Will get side pic tomorrow

 

[Mariette]

It eats. I’m afraid we don’t have much of a pod population in DT but we alternate frozen food one day, pellets and flakes the next. He eats straight out of the turkey baster and sifts sand all day long. As of this morning, all fish are in bare bottom treatment tank for Velvet :( We’ve upped the feedings to twice a day because there’s nothing in there for them to snack on between feedings. And he’s already eating

No white stringy poo. Will get side pic tomorrow

 

[ngoodermuth]

My first thought is also intestinal parasites, or a spinal injury... but, please use extreme caution while handling anything in the tank for the time being to be safe. No exposed skin. @Humblefish @HotRocks @4FordFamily thoughts?

 

[Mariette]

My first thought is also intestinal parasites, or a spinal injury... but, please use extreme caution while handling anything in the tank for the time being to be safe. No exposed skin. @Humblefish @HotRocks @4FordFamily thoughts?

Oh noooo. I hope he’s gonna be ok. I started copper this morning and he was acting just fine until recently. Now he’s floating near the top opening and closing his mouth. I added an air pump w air stone hoping to increase oxygen. He’s not gonna survive the second dose in 2 days. Im so lost

 

[ngoodermuth]

Can you get a video? Does it look like he can't swim down? It could be a swim bladder issue? would cause a bulge like that too... I'm trying to get more eyes on this guy for you.

 

[Mariette]

Thanks. I can’t upload a video but he’s swimming fine when he’s not floating near the top. This is what I’m using

 

[ngoodermuth]

You'll have to host the video somewhere else (like youtube or vimeo) and post the link.

 

[Mariette]

Copper levels testing at around 0.4-0.5. Should get to 0.5 w second dose so it’s high considering it’s 1st dose. Goby’s been alternating between swimming and floating so I know he can still swim.

 

[Mariette]

You'll have to host the video somewhere else (like youtube or vimeo) and post the link.[/QUOTE

 

[ngoodermuth]

Yes, that is a very steep increase for the first dose. I would do a waterchange, try to get it back down to .2. You should raise it back up over a couple of days.

 

[Mariette]

GENIUS!!!. I’ll try that. Since adding air stone, he seems to be improving. Instead of staying at top, he’s alternating between top and bottom. I’ll do the water change and see if that helps. Thanks!!!

 

[ngoodermuth]

Goby's are pretty resilient, he might even be fine going straight to therapeutic but since you aren't sure exactly whats going on with the bulge in his side I'd try to not stress him out too much. I'm still hoping more folks will chime in soon with ideas about that...

 

[HotRocks]

My first thought is also intestinal parasites, or a spinal injury... but, please use extreme caution while handling anything in the tank for the time being to be safe. No exposed skin. @Humblefish @HotRocks @4FordFamily thoughts?

It could definitely be this, or some sort of swim bladder infection/inflation.

At any rate all you can do is feed food mixed with metro/focus as well as maintain clean water.

 

[4FordFamily]

That fish has an injury or deformity, IMO. It may have other ailments but I’m not sure what you can do to save it :(

 

[Mariette]

That fish has an injury or deformity, IMO. It may have other ailments but I’m not sure what you can do to save it :(

I’ve been afraid of that

 

[Mariette]

I did the water change and re tested copper. It’s down to 0.2 and he seems to be doing better. I’m going to continue to do everything in my power to battle this Velvet and keep all my fish alive. If goby pulls through, I’ll look into possible other issues (internal parasites or swim bladder issues). For now, he seems to be doing better.

Thank you ngoodermuth, 4FordFamily, and HotRocks. Wish me luck!!!

 

[Mariette]

Okay guys. He’s been out of cooper in his own habitate w crushed coral and lots of cover over 24 hrs. He’s not moving. Not eating. Barely breathing. It’s time to consider putting the little guy down should I give him more time? Or maybe put him out of his misery? I’ve researched on here. I know the freezer is an option. I also have clove oil but that doesn’t seem humane. Any thoughts? I know I messed him up. I know this is my fault. And I feel terrible. I did everything I could. Please be nice :(

 

[HotRocks]

Okay guys. He’s been out of cooper in his own habitate w crushed coral and lots of cover over 24 hrs. He’s not moving. Not eating. Barely breathing. It’s time to consider putting the little guy down should I give him more time? Or maybe put him out of his misery? I’ve researched on here. I know the freezer is an option. I also have clove oil but that doesn’t seem humane. Any thoughts? I know I messed him up. I know this is my fault. And I feel terrible. I did everything I could. Please be nice :(

Clove oil is very humane. It basically puts them to sleep.

Sorry to hear that :(

Hey you tried to do all the right things and for that you can't be criticized.