constipated fish???

[dpotts]

Strange question....can fish get constipated/blocked? My baby hippo tang wouldn't eat this morning. Since I got him, he has been a great eater. I've been feeding him twice a day with mysis shrimp, he has green algae clipped in the tank (I don't think he's eating that a whole lot) and he constantly has been eating pods off the glass. He has no white spots or anything "odd" on his body and he's swimming fine and very active.The only thing I've noticed is that just behind his fins he looks a little bloated. Any suggestions?

[Jonthefishguy]

Yes they can get constipated.

[dpotts]

So what does one do for a constipated fish?

[Jonthefishguy]

If the fish is constipated do not feed it for 2 days. Seperate it from its tankmates during feeding times with a partition or any other way to keep it seperated from eating. After the 2 days, feed the fish herbivore plant and vegetable foods like Nori for the next 2 days. After the treatment period, start feeding a proper varied diet.

[dpotts]

Well it's the only fish in my tank (well besides a lawnmower blenny that doesn't eat the cubes) so that won't be a problem. As for a varied diet I think I am feeding it one. I feed 4 different types of frozen cubes plus there is always green algea clipped in the tank plus I have a HUGE pod population. What else should I be feeding that little guy? I really think he has just been gorging himself because he was pretty skinny when I got him and now he has regular food. I was told to feed him numerous times a day because he is a baby...I guess I have been feeding too much!

[sampsonndelila]

They make tiny X-Lax pills?? lol. This is a new one. I would never notice if one of my fish wasn’t going to the bathroom.

[sampsonndelila]

Well it's the only fish in my tank (well besides a lawnmower blenny that doesn't eat the cubes) so that won't be a problem. As for a varied diet I think I am feeding it one. I feed 4 different types of frozen cubes plus there is always green algea clipped in the tank plus I have a HUGE pod population. What else should I be feeding that little guy? I really think he has just been gorging himself because he was pretty skinny when I got him and now he has regular food. I was told to feed him numerous times a day because he is a baby...I guess I have been feeding too much!

Thats possiable.

[Crazyeyes]

It all depends, because tang can get ich in their gills. What they will do is swim a lot to help with the symptom and they won't eat and won't pick at the rocks. That is something else you can take into consideration. if that is the case start feeding garlic to promote a quick metabolism which may help.