Trigger acting very strange

[Jova]

Hello all. My favorite fish, Larry, a Niger Trigger that I've had for four years has been acting very odd for the past week and I'm worried. He always swam around the tank before, but now he always hides in one spot, holding his body vertically and only comes out to feed. He is still eating well, but when he swims he doesn't swim normal; he's always facing upward and seems really disorientated. He's also lost a lot of weight in the past month or two. I'd gone through a period where I wasn't home much and didn't feed much for a month or so, but all other fish are as fat as ever, but Larry is crazy thin, hiding all the time and not swimming right at all. Any ideas??? Thanks in advance!

 

[b0bab0ey]

What you are describing sounds like swim bladder disorder. It mostly happens to goldfish but I once owned a clownfish that had it. I currently have a PB Tang that will display symptoms of swim bladder if I feed her too much nori, but I think in her case it's probably an intestinal issue. In any case, the only thing I've ever found that provides relief is if you can get the fish to eat a peeled boiled pea. Yes, a pea, like you and I eat. I realize this won't be easy with a trigger. Unfortunately, if this is swim bladder disorder the pea only provides temporary relief. The symptoms usually return in time and eventually the fish dies.

Check this out for more info: http://www.ehow.com/about_6619851_swim-bladder-disorder-goldfish.html