Swim Bladder issue?

[gvanni]

Damsel is having issues I noticed today while feeding. Did not eat but was swimming a bit weird, now swimming sideways in the middle water column but not against rock or objects. Levels seem healthy as well so kinda confused. I’ll add a video once I figure out how to.

 

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What are your parameters at? Does it look like he has any injuries? If you have a breeder net or box you can put him in it to take some pressure off his body, and observe in case it gets worse.

 

[gvanni]

What are your parameters at? Does it look like he has any injuries? If you have a breeder net or box you can put him in it to take some pressure off his body, and observe in case it gets worse.

I do have a breeder box I can put into the tank. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate was 60 after I fed and water change so that’s my only concern. Rest of the tank seems relatively healthy. Salinity is 35 and temp is 78.2

 

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I do have a breeder box I can put into the tank. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate was 60 after I fed and water change so that’s my only concern. Rest of the tank seems relatively healthy. Salinity is 35 and temp is 78.2

I would recommend putting him in the box, and trying to bring down your nitrates a bit by doing small water changes each day so you do not shock anything. Swim bladder issues can sometimes heal on their own as long as you give the fish a safe environment to heal in, the closer to the surface they are the less water pressure is on their body. If you have a quarantine tank on hand that would probably work better then the breeder box as you can run a course of antibiotics on him incase there is a internal infection causing the issue. Keep an eye out for any swelling of the abdomen, or discoloration.

 

[gvanni]

I would recommend putting him in the box, and trying to bring down your nitrates a bit by doing small water changes each day so you do not shock anything. Swim bladder issues can sometimes heal on their own as long as you give the fish a safe environment to heal in, the closer to the surface they are the less water pressure is on their body. If you have a quarantine tank on hand that would probably work better then the breeder box as you can run a course of antibiotics on him incase there is an internal infection causing the issue. Keep an eye out for any swelling of the abdomen, or discoloration.

I may be able to set up a temporary tank for him, though wouldn’t be until tomorrow since I need to get equipment. He doesn’t seem to want to eat either

 

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I may be able to set up a temporary tank for him, though wouldn’t be until tomorrow since I need to get equipment. He doesn’t seem to want to eat either

I would put him in the breeder box for tonight if possible that way when you setup the qt you don't have to chase him down and stress him out. I would use a mix of water from your tank and some fresh saltwater so the nitrate load isn't as high but not low enough to shock his body, and do a slow acclimation when you put him in. If you have extra filter media on hand from your tank you can use it to cycle it immediately and I would throw in some decor or rocks so he has a place to hide and feel safe. PVC pipes or elbows work well too.
Then I would observe him the first few days and hold back on feeding and dosing meds the first full day in QT. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole would work well as meds if this is a bacterial infection. Foods like brine mixed with spirulina, or daphnia will help if there are any internal blockages causing this. If he refuses to eat try soaking it in garlic juice for 10 mins before feeding (works well on picky eaters/sick fish). Also make sure to take out any leftover foods if they are not eaten within 15 mins so they do not foul up the water.

 

[gvanni]

I would put him in the breeder box for tonight if possible that way when you setup the qt you don't have to chase him down and stress him out. I would use a mix of water from your tank and some fresh saltwater so the nitrate load isn't as high but not low enough to shock his body, and do a slow acclimation when you put him in. If you have extra filter media on hand from your tank you can use it to cycle it immediately and I would throw in some decor or rocks so he has a place to hide and feel safe. PVC pipes or elbows work well too.
Then I would observe him the first few days and hold back on feeding and dosing meds the first full day in QT. Kanamycin, erythromycin or metronidazole would work well as meds if this is a bacterial infection. Foods like brine mixed with spirulina, or daphnia will help if there are any internal blockages causing this. If he refuses to eat try soaking it in garlic juice for 10 mins before feeding (works well on picky eaters/sick fish). Also make sure to take out any leftover foods if they are not eaten within 15 mins so they do not foul up the water.

That’s all great advice, thank you!! He’s been in his cave for the last few hours so unable to get him in the breeder box box I’ll try tomorrow! Thank you!!