Gold Barb seems to be choking on something

I just noticed that one of my male gold barbs has something translucent and thin that is holding his mouth open (He can hardly move his mouth). I could not find him this morning and figured that he was just sleeping or hiding and he would be present at feeding time when I got home from school. It's kind of sad, really, he's watching the other fish eat and he can't eat a thing himself.

He's housed with 1 Rainbow Shark
7 Tiger Barbs
7 other Gold Barbs

in a 60-gallon tank.

HI'm and the other Gold Barbs have been in the tank since the 22nd of November, 2012.

Last time I tested the water, all the parameters are fine. (Sorry I haven't updated my tank info, it's old information)

I don't think it's water parameters. He just tried to eat something he shouldn't have. How should I go about getting the thing out of his mouth?

Should I even try to get it out of his mouth at all? Would it be better to just leave him alone?

 

I've had fish seem to be choking on a big piece of pea or bloodworm, and they've always swallowed it fine. Assuming it isn't edible, you could try to remove it, but it would be very dangerous. However the alternative - not eating - isn't optimal either.

If you want to try removing it, I would try cupping my hand, and holding him gently, either right above or below the surface. Then use tweezers to try and gently extract the foreign object.

 

I have no clue. Hmmmm, I'd personally try clear it, but don't take my advice, I'm a certified idiot.

 

He seems to be trying to swallow it. It's not visible anymore but he can't fully close his mouth and he's trying furiously to breathe. His gills are red and his mouth is all gummed up and cut. My dad thinks he probably ate a rock accidentally. He's a tough fish, though, and my dad thinks he'll probably get through it. Since he semi-swallowed it I don't think getting it out is an option anymore.

 

Hmmmmm, do fish have gag reflexes?

 

I had a Gold barb eat a piece of gravel. I had to remove it with tweezers and he got a small tear in his mouth that got infected, he lost half of his jaw before I fixed it and lived for 4 years afterwards with a gif mouth.

 

Not all animals do. I know rabbits don't. I would assume fish don't either.

 

Horses don't have gag reflexes either. So, since it's not really visible anymore, I'm assuming it would be too dangerous to try and remove it?

 

It's a tough decision, but I'm not sure I would risk it. Then again, if he tried to pass it, it may do major damage to his digestive tract. Maybe monitor for a few days? Though if he swallows it any more, it will make it more difficult to remove. I think it may be up to you. Seems like a "darned if you do, darned if you don't" situation.

 

It's a tough decision, but I'm not sure I would risk it. Then again, if he tried to pass it, it may do major damage to his digestive tract. Maybe monitor for a few days? Though if he swallows it any more, it will make it more difficult to remove. I think it may be up to you. Seems like a "darned if you do, darned if you don't" situation.

Yeah, I really agree with the last part. I may injure him further if I dig the thing out, but he may also get injured further if he tries to get it through him.

 

I don't mean to be rude, but RTSLover is worried about his/her gold barb. This thread is to try and help him/her decide what to do. Your question has already been answered to the best of our ability. If you have further questions, start your own thread, rather than derail RTSLover's.


I can't imagine a fish passing a jagged piece of gravel. If he were mine, at this point I'd consider trying to remove it, especially if you say he's having trouble breathing.

 

He's fully swallowed it now. I think it would be equally dangerous on both sides of the argument. While pulling the thing out you could cut him up more, but by not doing anything he could cut himself up or block his digestive system.

He is breathing normally now, it doesn't look nearly as labored as it was when the thing was in his mouth. He's kind of cut up around the edges of his mouth, though.

 

I think this could be a good sign. Hopefully this means the piece is small enough to be passed. I would suggest keeping the water pristine to help avoid infection, and maybe feed slightly less..I'd be worried about stretching the stomach or intestines if they've suffered damage, though that's just a guess.

 

Okay. It was just large enough to wedge his mouth open. I'd say maybe a half a centimeter to a centimeter? I'll definitely feed less. What food would you recommend for this situation? I currently have Top Fin algae thins, HikarI Bio-Pure bloodworms, and Omega-One Fish flakes. If you would use something other than those, do tell.

 

I wouldn't feed him at all tbh. Let him put all his energy into digesting this thing first. It will take a long while for him to starve.

 

Don't feed at all? I guess I'll have to get a tank divider...

(My mom won't let me get a quarantine for some reason)

 

Personally, I'm a fan of NLS. I'm not necessarily saying it would be beneficial in this situation, but a lot of people like it and they have a garlic-fortified version, which is supposed to be good against parasites.

Edit: if it is a piece of gravel, there's no digesting that. He'll have to just pass it.

 

I've never seen NLS in any pet stores I've visited... maybe I'll look harder...

He's acting normal (Just hiding a little) He can fully close his mouth and is breathing normally, and swimming normally. The only thing that would suggest something's wrong is a cut over his lip.

 

PetCo has it Glad to hear he's doing alright.

 

Digesting includes passing as well.

 

I'm glad he is seeming to do better, I would have tried to get it out initially, but once the object has gone from view I think attempting to take out the object is probably more risky than it's worth, hope he gets 100% better!