Pygmy angel has bulging belly and is too buoyant!!!!

[iamwhatiam52]

After being healthy for 4 years my C. argi started to look very fat a few days ago. Now it is also fighting excess buoyancy by swimming downward.

Color looks good, fish is active and feeding.

What is it, and how do I treat?

 

[bguile]

sounds like swim bladder issues. Do a search for more info.

 

[iamwhatiam52]

sounds like swim bladder issues. Do a search for more info.

Searched, but no luck. Most swim bladder questions on this forum in the last two years have no response at all, and the ones that do have responses give no remedy.

I'd hate to lose this fish. It is one of the first I ever bought.

 

[bguile]

IME I dont think I've ever come across a remedy for swim bladder disease if that is indeed what your facing. I think I once came across something regarding "burping" the fish but it was better left to experienced marine biologists. Try googling it and see if you can find an exact diagnosis.

 

[Thanks Don]

It sounds like the swim bladder to me although some fish do swallow air when they eat and it can be trapped inside. Look at nationalfishpharm.com for help diagnosing the swim bladder and getting the correct medicine.

 

[iamwhatiam52]

Whatever it was, it solved itself after about a week.

I suspect it was something in the stomach. As the fish started to regain normal buoyancy control its stomach also returned to normal size. It pooped like crazy for a few days and now seems fine.