I recently purchased a reticulated tea cup ray from my LFS after having much success with a vary similar male I purchased about a week prior. Both the male and the female (as I hope I have sexed them correctly, a few members have confirmed my ID although it is irrelevant for this post) are about 6in in diameter and I have see both eat since they were brought home. Through my research I have come to find that retics are one of the hardest of the ray breeds to get eating in captivity, but the male is doing VERY well, quite the active little guy, where as the female does not seem to be keeping up with adapting to life in a tank as well. Her breathing seems far more rapid than the male, her movement far less, and her stimulation to food is less than engaging. She rarely moves, and when she does she keeps to about 1/4 of the 125g that she is currently housed in. All water parameters are correct, temperature is within range, and all other fish (one lima shovelnose cat) including the other ray are flourishing! I've noticed this clear to milky white stringy substance trailing from her backside and presumed it to be fecal matter although it did not seem 100% normal in this form. It does not appear to be her slime coat shedding since it is literally a string from her behind. I am worried this may be a sign of parasites or other internal concerns. I have researched the condition to the best of my ability, but come up with nothing helpful. PLEASE HELP as I do not want her to suffer if there is something wrong that I can correct. I have posted pictures here for reference & hopefully an ID and tips & pointers for possible treatment.
Thank you all in advance.
Thank you all in advance.
