swim bladder problem

[madmike]

Hello

I recently purchased a pair of bellus angels for my 225gallon reef. They are the first fish in the tank and after about 4 days of being in the tank, the male is showing signs of improper decompression, swimming face down and acting weird. He was eating fine up until today. Is there any hope in saving him. I know that these fish are collected in extremely deep water. I am a pharmacist and have access to small needles, would you recommend trying to puncture his swim bladder to relieve the pressure? He is bulged out a bit on both of his sides.

The good news is the female is doing great and eats like a pig.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mike

 

[limitdown]

I've seen the needle method done on Koi fish (ie fancy carp) before so I think it can also be done on marine fish.

If he starts eating, perhaps you can try feeding him some medicated food. Perhaps try Jungle Lab's anti-bacteria medicated food.

 

[madmike]

He has now avoided any food for 2 feedings. I think im going to have to try this method. I have seen it described as going thru the anus and piercing the bladder, so i'll try it as a last ditch effort if he continues to go downhill. I've also seen mention of a pressurized container that i definately could build, but wonder how long the fish could be ok in a small amount of water with no air in or out.

Mike

 

[Vegas RN]

At the behind the scenes tour I took at the Cesars Palace fish tank they had a fish with the same problem and the constructed a cage to keep the fish upright. I thought it looked kind of cruel but they said he eats great now and is slowly showing signs of recovery. Good luck with whatever route you go and keep us updated.

 

[madmike]

Had to try it last night, he had lodged himself under a rock and was looking bad, sides were extended. I pierced the bladder with a 27gauge needle and was able to pull out about 4cc of air...

He was looking bad, swimming upside down and i left him overnight and he was dead in the morning