Mandarin Bloat??

[gotasplinter]

was wondering if any of you have had this problem in the past. weve had our madarin for roughly 2 years, and within the last 6 months hes grown to look like he has a grape on each side of him. I dont know if hes just a PIG or something could be wrong. He acts fine. we do have a problem with bubble algea that we are working on, wonder if he has swallowed some of the bubble and its growing inside of him.(long shot). but anyway any thoughts would be great.


Thanks alot Lee

 

[gotasplinter]

Heres a couple of Pics of the fish. They are not very good quality, taken from my video camera. Thanks again Lee

 

[DonW]

Beer gut? Seriously that fish probably has some sort of digestive problem, does he eat flake or just stick to the pods.

Don

 

[gotasplinter]

Beer gut? Seriously that fish probably has some sort of digestive problem, does he eat flake or just stick to the pods.

Don

Don, he eats only pods as far as i know. and that picture does him no justice, Hes Huge compared to what the picture lookes like. Thanks Lee

 

[surf_buddy]

Preggers? Looks like it swallowed a peanut sideways!

 

[gotasplinter]

Preggers? Looks like it swallowed a peanut sideways!

Pregnant?? cant be hes the only fish of his kind in tank. and weve had him for roughly 2 years. and yea he is crazzy looking, doesnt seem to be in any discomfort. except for the wadling as he swims wish i could figure it out.

 

[DonW]

PM Lee. I'm pretty sure he will know or will have a good idea of what is going on. If you cant reach him hear try to get him on reefland.

Don

 

[gotasplinter]

PM Lee. I'm pretty sure he will know or will have a good idea of what is going on. If you cant reach him hear try to get him on reefland.

Don

Thanks Don

 

[leebca]

There are at least three possibilities. This could be intestinal blockage (not likely). This could be the growth of internal tumor(s). This could be an internal pathogen problem.

I would suggest you seek professional guidance from a veterinarian who knows fish; a local college; or local public aquarium.

For most of the above, surgery is required, or nothing can be done. One small chance is to isolate the fish and treat with an antibiotic that goes inside the fish. I would choose BOTH Maracyn Two and Maracyn One for saltwater fishes and use both at the same time. Start off with a double dose of JUST Maracyn Two.

After the initial 5-day treatment, treat again for another 5 days.

The use of both these antibiotics will likely kill off most of your biological filter in the hospital tank. Be prepared for water quality issues and to make frequent water changes and/or use chemical filtration.

For what it's worth, I don't think the above treatment will cure this condition.

 

[gotasplinter]

Lee, thank you very much for posting, he doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort, i don't have any type of hospital tank or i might try your suggestion, i guess ill just ride it out for now.


Thanks again, Lee

 

[gotasplinter]

Lee, Just wondering If this can be spread to the other fish in some way or is it just something that is unfortunate for the mandorin

 

[leebca]

It depends upon the causative agent. If this is a pathogen it may likely infect other fishes. If this is blockage, it would be unlikely. If tumor, it could spread, but it is difficult to do so. Isolation of the fish with the condition is the best way forward, to remove any concern or doubt.

 

[gotasplinter]

I have a 24 gallon cube that has nothing but softies in it, I could possible put him in. Only thing is I would have to break the 75 down just to get him out, And im not sure how he would fare in the 24 becouse of his diet. Would have to make sure there is coppepodes in there for him. But thanks again for your input

 

[leebca]

You may wish to read some things regarding fishes that eat pods or specialty foods, as well as one of the following mentions Mandarins:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/nftt/index.htm
and
Pod Eaters