Fish undergoes CT scan due to swimming issue

The Denver Zoo has shared images of a French angelfish undergoing a CT scan—and yes, the fish is still alive.

As originally reported by People, the fish needed the CT scan due to abnormal swimming and buoyancy issues. The Denver Zoo shared two images of the fish receiving the scan, which earned a lot of attention on social media. 

The medical team sedated the fish and conducted the scan as water was run over the fish’s gills periodically, allowing it to breathe. The post highlighted the zoo's new Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital, which cares for more than 3,000 species of fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and other animals. In this case, the CT scan was successful and the angelfish was given a proper diagnosis.

"We’re happy to share that this little fish was on a treatment plan and is now back to happily swimming in its Tropical Discovery home. Our animal care and health teams will continue to monitor this fabulous fish," according to the post from the Denver Zoo.

In a related note, the story briefly mentions an incident in Oklahoma where an 11-year-old caught a Pacu fish in a neighborhood pond. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation warned against releasing exotic animals into local waterways, emphasizing the potential harm to native ecosystems. The CT scan of the angelfish serves as a reminder that zoos and non-profits will take care of exotic animals should the need arise. 

For more context, read the full story here.