HELP ASAP! Sick triggerfish (humuhumu)

[delpni]

So I took home a sick triggerfish today to try and nurse back to health. Two days ago, I saw the fish eating and swimming around; yesterday, I saw him swimming around with food floating in his tank; today (I've been 'visiting' him a lot :yes he was laying on his side at the bottom of his tank with 2 days worth of food (krill and feeder fish) floating in his tank and he had nothing to do with them. I took the fish home to see if I can nurse him back to health; I felt really bad for the poor guy. Anyway, I have been mixing Mysis, Cyclopeese (spelling ?), and garlic (1-2 drops), force-feeding him every 3-4 hours with as much as I can get him to keep down (eventually he spits the food out and lays back down). Today, I dosed his water with Melafix because I'm pretty sure he has fin rot on his bottom center fin (will continue Melafix for 7 days). I do not know if there is something better I can try to feed him? I put a *small* crab in his tank but he wants nothing to do with it either. I have re-located him to a 10-gallon quarantine with a heater and pump and complete darkness to help ease stress. Anything else any of you recommend? I REALLY want to save him!! :unsure:

 

[delpni]

I forgot to mention (and do not know how to edit my post) that the fish looks (eventhough I have seen him eat in the past) very thin; almost anorexic (his cheeks are sunk in as is his back side just behind his belly). :sad:

 

[gnashty]

While you are waiting for someone more qualified to respond - try here.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trighlthfaqs3.htm">http://www.wetwebmedia.com/trighlthfaqs3.htm</a>

A very long time ago my Huma did the same thing and once he went on his side, he never made it back - I hope you have better results...

Easy on treatment til ya know exactly where it is - IME triggers have are very sensitive to treatment, especially copper based meds

 

[jennm]

I don't think I'd force feed.

Melafix, IMO is pretty ineffective ... it smells cool though.

Hate to tell you but it's not sounding good for this fish. I hope you have it in a QT or isolation tank, not in your display. There could be a bunch of different things causing his issues, including stress. Constantly "tending" to him could make things worse.

About all you can do is watch and wait. Make sure his water quality is good, offer food daily and remove what isn't eaten promptly.

Often when they are seriously emaciated it's too late, or he might have internal issues.

Sorry

Jenn

 

[delpni]

JennM;544449 wrote: I don't think I'd force feed.

Melafix, IMO is pretty ineffective ... it smells cool though.

Hate to tell you but it's not sounding good for this fish. I hope you have it in a QT or isolation tank, not in your display. There could be a bunch of different things causing his issues, including stress. Constantly "tending" to him could make things worse.

About all you can do is watch and wait. Make sure his water quality is good, offer food daily and remove what isn't eaten promptly.

Often when they are seriously emaciated it's too late, or he might have internal issues.

Sorry

Jenn

Definitely have him in QT tank!! I too, am afraid it's too late for him, but I figure it's worth a shot. I am afraid to give him any strong meds since I'm not certain of his problem. What you are saying about force feeding causing more stress makes sense...maybe 1-2 times per day force feeding if he will not eat on his own??

 

[delpni]

delpni;544466 wrote: So I recently introduced a small hippo tang to my 75 gallon (will be upgrading to 100+ soon). He eats, swims, and gets along well with my other livestock (inverts, 2 perculas, 2 chromis, 1 gobby, and 1 blenny). Anyway, I am wondering if it is normal for tangs to be VERY shy until they settle in? Other than feeding time (even sometimes during feedings) he hides in a small cave that he has to lay on his side to squeeze into. Thanks guys!

Does anyone know how to have this post removed from this thread? I am sorry; thought I was posting a seperate discussion. :doh:

 

[cr500_af]

delpni;544468 wrote: Does anyone know how to have this post removed from this thread? I am sorry; thought I was posting a seperate discussion. :doh:

Moved to new thread.

 

[smoothie]

What are your water parameter's?

 

[drnecropolis]

All the shuffling around is making it worse for the poor guy (no worries, in a panic these things happen) when you say he looks thin, does it look like the stomach area is pinched in?

I also think it might be too late, but your efforts may not be in vain.. Keep the faith.. Triggers are pretty stout fish..

One thing I learned a long time ago (and one thing I am very stern with myself) is never buy a fish that appears to be in poor health in an attempt to save them.. 99% of the time the cons outweigh the pros and runs a better risk of causing major problems in your tank..

 

[jennm]

delpni;544453 wrote: What you are saying about force feeding causing more stress makes sense...maybe 1-2 times per day force feeding if he will not eat on his own??

Do not force feed period.

Some fish can and do go long periods between meals.

IMO the stress of trying to shove food into him is less likely to make him eat, than leaving him alone to try to sort himself out and relax, and when he's relaxed he's more inclined to take food on his own.

Don't leave uneaten food in the tank - it will foul the water.

Jenn