lionfish concern

[Sinalie]

Hi!! Something strange is going on with my lionfish. When I try to feed the lionfish it will have intrest in the food but only nip at it. It's almost like it is unable to open it's mouth to bite the food. I have to cut the food up in small bites and even still it's hard to get it to eat it.

Is there something going wrong with it's jaw? Or is it a parasite of some sort? I hope someone can help me.

The water quality is in check, I test the water once a week and do regular water changes. Other fish in the tank is a sailfin tang and a panther gouper. They are in a 125 gal tank with a 55 gal sump.

Please...... help!
Stephanie

 

[VolitanLioness]

Your Lion could have Lockjaw, the lion may try to fix it by banging it's jaw on the rock.

Try not to feed it for a few days, hopefully the lion can take care of it. What are you feeding? Is this a Volitan? How much do you feed & how often?

Kaye

 

[TeakieBarber]

Lockjaw

Lockjaw

Stephanie ~

Here is the link discussing Lockjaw. Scroll almost to the bottom for Diseases and Health Problems

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/index.php

Teakie

 

[Sinalie]

Thanks Teakie and Kaye!!
I feed my lionfish squid, krill(as snack), scallops, and various saltwater fish ( bought frozen and uncooked). I also put vitamins in the food that I feed the grouper and lionfish.
This all started a while ago, my lionfish was barely swimming well and instead of swimming it was twitching through the water. It got pass that but the one thing that hasn't gone away is the trouble it has eating. I would say it's lockjaw but it's been 4 months at least that it has had this issue. Would it have fixed it by now if this was the case? The article mentioned the jaw being locked open, his mouth is closed and can't open OR won't open it enough to eat anything normal size.
Also the only thing I notice by looking at him is that the little antennata above his eyes aren't long anymore, they are almost gone.
Does this ring any bells?? I just want the little guy to eat since he's been hanging in there all this time.

 

[VolitanLioness]

Also the only thing I notice by looking at him is that the little antennata above his eyes aren't long anymore, they are almost gone.

This does happen & is OK, they shrink or fall off as the lion ages.

I will try to find something more on the jaw for you through wetweb....


Kaye

 

[VolitanLioness]

Well after all the reading, I still say Lockjaw & hope it heals.... I did see where other lions have lockjaw with the mouth closed.

There was a mention of twitching & they said Lions may do this in the wild or when stressed.

Kaye

 

[Sinalie]

I knew I could depend on the members at Reef Central. Please if any of you find new information , let me know. I work hard trying to get it to eat and it's paying off or else my little guy would be dead by now. I just want it to eat normal again.
I'll keep you posted........

Let's pray for the best!!!

Special thanks to Kaye and Teakie!!