Rhomboid Spinning Like A Top!

[64Ivy]

I received a terminal male Rhomboid yesterday, which I noticed upon acclimation, was whirling about in the current like the blades of a room fan. Thought it was dead at first and was being blown around by a powerhead but, as of this morning, it was still alive. And while not spinning quite as much [even eating a couple Selcon soaked mysis] it is still very far from swimming normally. I've seen swim bladder issues before but nothing quite like this. Is there anything I can do other than wait this out?

[Kahuna Tuna]

That does sound like a swim bladder issue, is the fish in QT?

[64Ivy]

That does sound like a swim bladder issue, is the fish in QT?

Oh yes.

[evolved]

Unfortunately, that's most definitely a swim bladder issue.

For some reason, this has been a common theme with rhomboid's as of late. Surely it's in some shape or form related to collection, but no one is quite sure. You might find this worth a read: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2183518&highlight=rhomboid

[snorvich]

+1 with the above

[brannock_16]

+1 to above posters. It's definitely one of my top 5 fish but I will not be trying another for a few years due to collection and decompression issues.

[reefjunkie42]

swim bladder for sure

[64Ivy]

Day three: Still alive, constantly drifting about the QT tank as if newly dead though. Does this condition ever correct itself? Is there anything I can do?

[evolved]

Day three: Still alive, constantly drifting about the QT tank as if newly dead though. Does this condition ever correct itself? Is there anything I can do?
The thread I linked you to discusses some treatment options. That being said, I've never known of a wrasse to completely recover from a swim bladder issue once it's set in. Most people euthanize after a few days with lack of improvement; sorry.

[64Ivy]

I have begun treating with erythromycin just in case there are infection issues involved but have never attempted to manually release any air that may be trapped within the swim bladder. Any link on how to perform this?

[suta4242]

If he is eating I would try gut loading live brine for an hour with a strong antibiotic solution. This worked for me with a very bloated angel.

But if its not a swimbladder infection and its actually because he was brought up too fast, then I don't think there's much hope. Sorry.

[reefjunkie42]

there is avideo of an asian man popping the bladder. it was posted on RB some mos back.

[solitude127]

Does popping the bladder cure the infection?

[Kahuna Tuna]

Pinning the swim bladder does not cure the infection and indeed may introduce infection but when it's inflamed it may be nessesary. Never done it myself but I know folks who have and its one of those things that is pretty much a last resort if the fish is already having swim bladder issues. I know you use a hypodermic needle to pin the swim bladder and relieve gas pressure. These fish are very tough and I had a Labout's recover from a terrible infection like this but it is a long shot I'm afraid. The antibiotic can't hurt at this point and I wish you luck with this fish, keeping my foingers crossed.

[64Ivy]

It didn't make it, fortunately. I think I'll wait until someone begins collecting Rhomboids either from a different location or via different methods. Even with the antibiotics, it was torture watching helplessly as this fish suffered like that.