Sick lionfish

[xxkenny90xx]

Hey guys I'm back with another question. My black volitan lion stopped eating almost a week ago and has just been laying on the sand (occasionally making jerking motions but no actual swimming). Today I noticed one of his spines is whithering away and another has a few white spots (ick?). My tank is a few years established and I rarely test water params (except salinity 1.025) but I'm doubtful they are an issue since all my other fish (regal tang included) and corals are doing fine. The lion eats silversides, octopus, squid, scallops, clams, muscles and shrimp about 3 times a week. Any ideas? Should I move him to qt which is a bucket and do ick treatment? Thanks

 

[mfinn]

I have no idea, what's wrong, but if it were me, I would put the fish in a qt tank for treatment.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Thanks mfinn, I'll go ahead and do that

 

[mfinn]

Have you called any of the fish stores in the area to see what sort of treatment to do?

 

[xxkenny90xx]

No, I am on day two of dipping with paraguard so hopefully that will be effective...

 

[mfinn]

Good luck..

 

[kpiotrowski]

lions have an extra layer of skin sort of. a cuticle. This layer protects them from parasite but doesn't mean their gills are not full of ich. Hopping for the best for you!

http://www.lionfishlair.com/careguides/lionfish.shtml

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Thanks guys. That's interesting, that article along with the fact that nothing new has been introduced to my tank makes me think my paraguard treatment might be pointless. Guess I'll do some more research

 

[kpiotrowski]

intestinal blockage with silversides possible also.

 

[mfinn]

intestinal blockage with silversides possible also.

I've had fish before that showed those symptoms of intestinal blockage, ( that didn't make it)
What's a good remedy ?

 

[NanaReefer]

Peas work well as a laxative.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Peas really? Thats weird. Unfortunately he won't eat anything

 

[mfinn]

Peas work well as a laxative.

....Really?

 

[kpiotrowski]

I have always heard in fw that daphnia act as a laxative. don't know about this this poor fish.

 

[thefishguy77]

Peas do work. But getting him to eat what he perceives as a green pellet will take some work. I have had limited luck getting them to eat either sick or timid by sticking food o. The end of a skewer or small ridged airline tubing and letting it pass infrint of them on occasion. But this normally means they have to want to eat first.