what causes swim bladder failure

[huhhh]

I lost a pygmy cherub angle last week. Had been in the tank only about 4 days. I saw no signs of parasites or disease. No markings on him at all injuries or otherwise. He hadn't eaten much since being introduced, hid most of the time, which I took as normal adjustment. I got home one day and found him sucked against the power head. When I got him off, his swim bladder was shot (pretty sure that happened pre-power head as it's not that strong would explain how he got there).

Water test indicated everything within norms. Nitrate near 20 but not enough to kill a fish (Just did water change).

So what else could cause swim bladder problems? The only other residents are an ocelll clown and a lawnmower. I never saw any scuffling or any injury markings on the angel. Could it have been sick when I got it?

 

[huhhh]

I was told the water he came from at LFS was .025 SG which is the same as mine. I dripped him for about 35 -40 min. He showed no signs of being sick... until he couldn't swim and died.

 

[Trigger Tough]

Sounds like he might have been weak from being stressed and not eating. Couldn’t swim away from the powerhead and got stuck to it

Where is your powerhead located in the tank? If it’s towards the top of the tank and his swim bladder was shot he might not have been able to reach it

Think of a hawk fish. No swim bladder so once they stop swimming they sink

What makes you think it was the swim bladder?

 

[huhhh]

It is at the top. When I got him off he tried to swim, but it was backwards and sideways, he had no control. Kinda went where the current pushed him.

 

[billdogg]

I agree with the probability that it was shipping stress/general weakness, although they tend to be relatively hardy IME. That it was swimming oddly after you freed it from the power head was just incidental. I would speak to the LFS about it. If they are reputable, they will probably offer replacement.

 

[huhhh]

I'm afraid it's been too long. I'm not sure I'm buying from them again. Several years ago, in this tank's original set up, (before I knew anything) they sold me all kinds of fish that had no business being in my 46 fowler.

I just wanted to make sure what I did was correct so I don't repeat a mistake and lose another one.