Fish swimming at the surface

[Poseidon27]

Hi All,

I have recently acquired a Flagfin Angelfish. I got him from a friend of mine. He had severe popeye but I have given him 2 injections and it is now slowly clearing up.

However, the problem I currently have is that he periodically swims at the surface vertically. He is in my quarantine tank at the moment, I have an airstone constantly supplying oxygen and a hang on filter.

I have checked all my parameters and all looks in check.

pH is at 8.2, SG is at 1.025, nitrates are about 2ppm & temp about 24c. I am doing 5-10% water changes daily.

Anyone have any idea why he is doing this?

 

[Poseidon27]

Bump.

Its been about 2 weeks and he is still doing the same thing. I have started to force feed him as he is not eating out of the water column at the moment.

Does anyone have any advise to what I can do?

 

[tylersarah]

Just curious, what were the injections?

The vertical swimming behavior is called piping, usually due to an irritant in the gills. The fact that he's not eating shows the level of discomfort. My first guess is parasitic - any bumps, redness or other symptoms?

Have you tested for ammonia?

 

[Poseidon27]

Ammonia is undetectable currently.

The injections where a combination of antibiotics.

His gills look fine. I think that this guy was needled when initially collected. I have been force feeding at the moment to keep him going but he is yet to accept anything from the water column.

 

[tylersarah]

Quite possible. Finish the course of antibiotics, all you can do. I applaud your efforts.