Flame Hawkfish swimming out of balance

[Europa]

I have purchased a flame hawkfish last week (arrived on 02/07) and 3 days later it started swimming really awkwardly -- it goes to the surface, swims backwards and upside down. I have never had this fish, but I'm assuming this is not it's normal behavior. I have a video of him here in the QT tank: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2RjBA1EyDaECUAk89

Could anyone let me know (1) if this is normal, and (2) if not, is it some kind of disease, and if so, how do I treat it?

 

[Unitylover]

I cant see the video, youtube will prob be better

 

[Unitylover]

bump

 

[Hairyteeth]

Definitely not normal, don’t know the cause but could be one or combo of things, I’m sure others will chime in….the swimming pattern looks disoriented and partially uncontrolled and he seems to be swimming into the flow towards the surface

 

[threebuoys]

I have purchased a flame hawkfish last week (arrived on 02/07) and 3 days later it started swimming really awkwardly -- it goes to the surface, swims backwards and upside down. I have never had this fish, but I'm assuming this is not it's normal behavior. I have a video of him here in the QT tank: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2RjBA1EyDaECUAk89

Could anyone let me know (1) if this is normal, and (2) if not, is it some kind of disease, and if so, how do I treat it?

You're correct, this behavior is not normal. I fear it may be swim bladder related.
Perhaps @Jay Hemdal or @vetteguy53081 can provide some diagnostic/treatment advice.

 

[Patientman]

Hmmm … I don't think that flame fish have swim bladders … why they "perch" so often. Someone with more expertise will clarify this I'm sure. Wild caught sometimes suffer from the cyanide poisoning if not from a reputable fish source.

 

[vetteguy53081]

This sounds like a buoyancy issue and will suggest internal parasite or other issue
Assuming it’s eating, you can give it metroplex and focus to bind it to food, both products by Seachem

 

[threebuoys]

Hmmm … I don't think that flame fish have swim bladders … why they "perch" so often. Someone with more expertise will clarify this I'm sure. Wild caught sometimes suffer from the cyanide poisoning if not from a reputable fish source.

Didn't know that. Learn something every day.

 

[Hairyteeth]

No swim bladder led to the death of mine, had a long tentacle plate nuke a tank, all the free swimmers hung out at the top in the pumps and weren’t doing well, while the hawk couldn’t stay up there… then emergency protocols were taken and the rest saved

 

[Qasimja]

i have a flame hawk and yes they do perch they dont really swim in open water but that fish looks like somethings off with it

 

[VermontReefs]

Love me some Flame Hawks - Correct they lack a swim bladder so their swimming behavior is certainly different from most fish however this vertical struggling is very unusual. Are you using an airstone? He looks as if he is needing oxygen. If not I suggest that immediately in addition to the filter. Are you treating the tank with anything?

His normal behavior would be to perch and watch everything they actually do very little swimming except for dinner time and to move to the next spot/protect their home. I've never had to treat one so that's best left for the medical folks but good luck.