Floating Pot Bellie

[Wayne's World]

Hi Aaron:

Just wondering if you've had any experience with your horses being too buoyant. I have one that just can't get down, swims like crazy and then just pops up. He's healthy otherwise, he usually only goes deep to feed. I don't see anything obvious on him, no bloating. Any help would be appreciated.

Wayne

[Chrismo]

When I was considering buying horses I read that if there were a lot of bubbles in the water that they could get into the male's stomach pouch and make him too boyant. There was a picture showing how to massage the bubbles up out of his pouch. I dont know where it was. Maybe seahorses.org?
I dunno.

They said if massaging it out every day for a week or so didnt finally work, a pin could be used to let the air out.

Dont take my word though! I wouldnt put a pin in my fish without a note from mother nature. G'luck

Chris

[Wayne's World]

Thanks for the info Chris. I just found a page about it.
http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us/Articles/v3_i1_vincent/shorse_n1.htm

I don't relish the idea of being a massage therapist for a seahorse, but I'll certainly try anything to help him out.

[Aaron]

Wayne,
It is the males who normally have this problem. The prominent pouch on the front is a source for air bubble entry. Just be sure this is the problem. I have lots of seahorses who hang out at the surface and literally play. They even poke their snouts out of the water. If he is eating, and I am assuming it is a he, then just keep a eye on him.
Good C'horsing
Aaron

[Wayne's World]

Thanks Aaron and Chris.
I tried the massage therapy, due to the fact that he was looking a little bloated. Well after a couple of "Belly Burps" his buoyancy became normal. Obviously I think it was quite tramatic for him, nothing like a massive creature trying to squeeze the **** out of you. Hopefully he will fully recover not only the buoyancy but also the handling.

[Wayne's World]

Just when I thought things were better I found my poor little floater at the bottom the tank this morning. This is extremely sad and very disheartening. He was such a wonder to watch and a joy have, his buddy's will miss him, along with my 3 children. :sob: