Rabbitfish

rdnyva · 06/27/2017, 05:14 PM

I have a Scribbled Rabbit, 4inches long, that I've had for over a year. Came to me at about 1 inch. He initially did well and grew fast. For some reason he has been losing weight, he looks very skinny even though he eats well, pellets and frozen. All of his tankmates are in good health and robust. He is not being harassed. Lately I've noticed he goes to the surface, gulps air and expels it out his gills.

Any thoughts?

McPuff · 06/27/2017, 11:22 PM

The surface behavior is not that odd actually. Are you giving the rabbit any nori or other algae-based foods? This is very important. The fresher the better.

rdnyva · 06/28/2017, 03:10 AM

I'm glad to hear the surface behavior is nothing to worry about. I was concerned because it just recently started. Ive been feeding Formula Two pellets, rotating frozen, and giving nori twice a week. The Nori is many months old, so I will buy a fresh pack and feed it more often.

My main concern is that even feeding more than usual the rabbit does not gain weight and is very thin.

Thanks for your help Mcpuff.

Breadman03 · 06/28/2017, 08:10 AM

You should read up on diagnosing intestinal worms. It sounds like a possibility.

Myles · 06/28/2017, 10:33 AM

My scribbled rabbit has the same behavior but it is always the same spot in the tank. Otherwise it is doing great, eats well, and is gaining weight.
I would worry about the weight loss though so you might want to post in the disease forum. I too would guess some sort of internal parasite but that is just a guess.
Myles

06/27/2017, 05:14 PM	#1
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	Rabbitfish I have a Scribbled Rabbit, 4inches long, that I've had for over a year. Came to me at about 1 inch. He initially did well and grew fast. For some reason he has been losing weight, he looks very skinny even though he eats well, pellets and frozen. All of his tankmates are in good health and robust. He is not being harassed. Lately I've noticed he goes to the surface, gulps air and expels it out his gills. Any thoughts? __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

06/28/2017, 03:10 AM	#3
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	I'm glad to hear the surface behavior is nothing to worry about. I was concerned because it just recently started. Ive been feeding Formula Two pellets, rotating frozen, and giving nori twice a week. The Nori is many months old, so I will buy a fresh pack and feed it more often. My main concern is that even feeding more than usual the rabbit does not gain weight and is very thin. Thanks for your help Mcpuff. __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

06/28/2017, 10:33 AM	#5
Myles Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 262	My scribbled rabbit has the same behavior but it is always the same spot in the tank. Otherwise it is doing great, eats well, and is gaining weight. I would worry about the weight loss though so you might want to post in the disease forum. I too would guess some sort of internal parasite but that is just a guess. Myles __________________ Myles

06/27/2017, 11:22 PM	#2
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	The surface behavior is not that odd actually. Are you giving the rabbit any nori or other algae-based foods? This is very important. The fresher the better.

06/28/2017, 08:10 AM	#4
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	You should read up on diagnosing intestinal worms. It sounds like a possibility.