Possible Sand Impaction?

[MCooper]

Okay,
So my melanarus wrasse has done great for months. This morning I noticed he appeared bloated and was laying on the sand bed a bit, which he never does.
I figured he was about to pass away so why not attempt to see if he was constipated. I gently palpated him/expressed him and some sand came out. Then a dark colored ball of something that seemed a bit stuck. That was 4 hours ago.
Still seems to be open mouth the entire time, which was first sign he was off early this am.

Could he have become impacted from sand?
Concerned I removed the sand but then some type of tissue/organ he needed, so I feel horrible.
Any thoughts, advice or tips?

 

[ahiggins]

Oh, Im so sorry :(
Theyre such pretty fish. I cant help at all but I feel your pain.

 

[Humblefish]

Hmm. I know certain tangs (Acanthurus, Bristletooth) swallow sand to aid with their digestion, but I'm not sure about wrasses. @eatbreakfast or @evolved might be able to shed some light on this.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Wrasses may ingest sand incidentally, but I've never seen or heard of one negatively impacted by it. With a melanurus wrasse any issues related to it's digestive tract would be much more likely to be caused by it's gluttonous appetite.

 

[MCooper]

Hope I didn't cause my harm. Time will tell

 

[Humblefish]

This could just be a case of constipation; if he's still eating try feeding a few peeled boiled peas.

No sign of a rectal prolapse, is there? See photos below.

 

[MCooper]

No signs of rectal prolape. Have not seen him eat, but is still alive so will hope for the best possible outcome!

 

[MCooper]

U P D A T E ----->

Some how this guy is still alive and swimming normally now. He has his mouth open at all times so I worried about a jaw injury or lock jaw. He didn't eat for the first few days, but now is eating. I am simply amazed!
I am still wondering what the dark colored ball of organ like material was that I expressed out of him after all the sand. Hopefully he will continue to thrive. Thought it was amazing so had to update anyone following along!

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Glad to hear things are looking up to this point. Best wishes in a speedy recovery for your wrasse!

 

[MCooper]

Glad to hear things are looking up to this point. Best wishes in a speedy recovery for your wrasse!

THank you. I am simply amazed he is still here and doing well. I really really wish I had a video and idea what that thing was.
I am so worried it was a vital organ and he will simply drop dead on me, but hoping for the best.