One of our Parks aquariums has 2 adult starry flounder. A few months back now one of them stopped eating and developed a large inflation in his gut. Other than not eating he acted normal. He continued to not eat and the inflation went down eventually. He looks much better, albeit thinner but still refuses to eat. The second starry has recently started teh same cycle and currently has the inflation now. Both were overfed prior to me taking on the job of caring for them, which is the only way the one could have made it this long without eating.

Any suggestions, or should I just consider euthanizing the fish so they don't suffer anymore than they already have?

FYI the tank also contains various surf perch species, kelpfish, a striped bass, and a California Halibut (all of which have been fine the entire time this has been going on). I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my problem. Thanks!

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Bringing the wonder of aquatic life throughout the East Bay Park District

Just to put the topic to rest, we took the (now dead) flounders to UC Davis for a vet to examine. It turns out that the fish did not have any disease or anything. They were in fact both egg bound. They likely stopped eating when the enlarged ovaries put too much pressure on the stomach and other organs.

__________________
Bringing the wonder of aquatic life throughout the East Bay Park District