I Need Help!!!

Dr_Shakalu

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Mar 28, 2007
1,079
3
68
San Francisco
Hi everyone. Well, my garbage disposal red-tailed catfish swallowed a plastic clip used for holding veggies for my pleco. The clip is about 2.5 inches long, shaped like Nemo and has a suction cup. The catfish is about 14-15 inches long. I picked it up to pull out the plastic clip but couldn't because most of it is in his stomach with just a little bit sticking out. What should I do? He's just sitting on the bottom breathing hard. Should I just wait until he throws it up or should I forcefully pull it out? Any advice is appreciated.
 

divemaster99

Dovii
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2014
4,795
385
107
Pittsburgh, PA
If it's to far down I'd just let him throw it up. My 4" asian bb catfish ate a 2" longfin pleco and passed it no problem so I think you'll be good.
 

thebiggerthebetter

Gold Tier VIP
MFK Member
Dec 31, 2009
15,592
13,985
3,910
Naples, FL, USA
If not afraid, gently massage the throat opening with your finger and see if he throws up or relaxes the throat and the very short esophagus letting you pull it out. Could use pliers too but it'd be the best if someone else holds the fish, better wrapped in a towel. Even if you cannot get it out, try to let much water in his stomach and he has a good chance to throw it up, from stress alone.

If it passes into the intestine, he will 100% die.

See this as an example:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=37031&hilit=+english
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSh28GtmQ4s&feature=plcp

Can use a large syringe with a soft plastic tubing, like an airline tube, to force-pump water in his stomach too.
 
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