Bloated Colini Angel

[danfishman]

Hi there,

I am having trouble with my Colini Angel who I have had for around 8 months now. I have never had any problems with him before even when my tank had a mild ich infestation 6 months ago, he was the only one not to show any signs.


Just on Saturday I noticed he was a little different and kept swimming with his head down and on closer inspection, his stomach was kinda bloated. He has been eating NLS pellets plus frozens daily and still hasn't lost his appetite. Everything seems normal except his swimming behavior.

Here is a video of him swimming:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93674433@N08/10916085896/

Not sure what to do??

Any diagnosis??

 

[HumbleFish]

The video kinda looks like he has suffered an injury or has been stung. But if his stomach is also bloated, then swim bladder disease or an intestinal obstruction (or malady) are the most likely culprits. First thing I would do is QT this fish. In his current condition, I don't see how he can even compete for food with all your other fish. Once in QT, try feeding him 1 or 2 boiled, peeled peas. It may not help, but it can't hurt either. If he won't eat the peas or if eating them doesn't help after a couple of days, then I would treat with antibiotics in case you are dealing with some sort of infection here. But I'm going to be honest with you, his prognosis is probably bleak.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Do you feed him any algae or nori? Angels need roughage, if you will, for digestion and other physiological functions. Your angel may be constipated.
He could also have an intestinal parasite. Have you seen any long strings of feces?
I was unable to view the video.

 

[danfishman]

Thanks for the input,

I can't see any obvious signs of being stung or injury?? But yes the stomach is enlarged. After doing some searches, I wouldn't say its severely bloated like some photos of dropsy cases here, and isn't lethargic.

I feed julian Sprung nori/ seaweed but I haven't seen him eat it, only the idol. Have't seen any feces but is picking algae from the rocks etc. Eating plenty of pellets and mysis.

Will try the pea trick and hope for the best.

Would this disease/ problem be contagious??

Tank mates are Pair Golden Angels, Moorish Idol, Tomini Tang, pair yellow gobies and 2x female Melagris Leopard Wrasses.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Depends on what it is. If bacterial or parasitic then yes it can be contagious. FWIW I had a Coral Beauty for 8 years and never fed him nori. He ate Rods and mysis like everyone else and never had a problem. But the Flame Angel I had ate nori everyday. You just never know.

 

[HumbleFish]

Would this disease/ problem be contagious??

If what's ailing him was somehow caused by parasites or bacterium in the water column, then the other fish may be affected. But removing him won't remove that threat, as it is already there. A UV is a lot more effective at eradicating bacterium than parasites, but the natural immune system of a healthy fish should also be able to fight off a potential bacterial infection (but not so much when it comes to parasites). It also wouldn't be a bad idea to start soaking your fishes' food in vitamin supplements.