How Denver Zoo Saved an Ailing Angelfish

An angelfish at the Denver Zoo's Tropical Discovery Center has made a complete recovery after receiving a special CT scan and treatment. The fish, a resident at the zoo since 2016, had been showing signs that something wasn't right.

Spotting the Problem

Earlier this year, an animal care specialist noticed the angelfish wasn't swimming normally. The fish was tilting more to one side than it should. The team knew they needed to take action to help their aquatic friend.

To find out what was wrong, the zoo staff arranged a visit to the animal hospital. This was no simple task for a water-dwelling creature.

A Fish Out of Water - But Not for Long

The medical team had to sedate the fish for the exam. They made sure to keep running water over its scales during the procedure to keep it safe.

First, they tried an ultrasound. This test showed there was a mass on the side of the fish. But they needed more information to understand the problem fully.

Creative CT Scanning

The team decided a CT scan was needed. This 3D x-ray would show more detail than the ultrasound. But CT scanners are usually used for land animals, not fish!

This required some creative thinking. The team:

1. Placed the fish in a sponge to hold it upright
2. Put the sponge in a plastic bin
3. Ran water over the fish between each 10-second image

This careful setup allowed them to get the images they needed while keeping the fish safe.

Finding the Cause

The CT scan revealed the fish had severe intestinal inflammation. This was causing pockets of gas to build up, which affected its ability to swim properly. The gas bubbles were changing the fish's buoyancy, making it tilt to one side.

With this clear diagnosis, the medical team knew exactly how to help.

Treatment and Recovery

The fish began a course of antibiotics to treat the inflammation. The medicine worked perfectly, and the problem was completely solved.

To make sure the issue doesn't come back, the zoo has increased the angelfish's fiber intake. This dietary change helps keep inflammation down.

Back with Friends

After the successful treatment, the angelfish is now back in its home at the Tropical Discovery Center. It's swimming normally again and enjoying life with its tank mates.

This success story shows the dedication of the Denver Zoo staff and the lengths they'll go to care for every animal - no matter how small or what environment they live in.