An Unusual TSN

[Dan F]

I picked up an unusual Tiger Shovelnose yesterday. It's mouth is slightly down-turned and "bill-like". The LFS owner (who really knows his fish after 30 years) thinks it is a congenital deformity. He eats great - already slurped down a feeder goldfish and a nightcrawler- and seems very healthy.

Has anyone else run across a similar TSN?

 

[fishdance]

Its damage from smashing its "bill" and not setting straight when it heals. Quite common since the bill is very delicate, especially when young and the TSN is a very flightly fish. This can happen when its bigger too but is more prevalent when they are young and the mouth is easier to break. Once the bone plates set it will not grow out or straighten with age.

It can still live and eat and breed happily. Its a physical deformity, not genetic.

 

[Dan F]

Its damage from smashing its "bill" and not setting straight when it heals. Quite common since the bill is very delicate, especially when young and the TSN is a very flightly fish. This can happen when its bigger too but is more prevalent when they are young and the mouth is easier to break. Once the bone plates set it will not grow out or straighten with age.

It can still live and eat and breed happily. Its a physical deformity, not genetic.

Thanks! The fish was a trade-in at the store and the owner didn't know its history, we were just guessing.

I think it actually makes him kind of interesting.

 

[snakeheader]

poor fish

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Ive seen a lot on here like that

 

[Death Pony]

That must have hurt!

 

[headbanger_jib]

that can also be a birth defect
the bill might get alright or might get worse as he ages
i think you will have to give special care to this special fish

 

[Miguel]

i've had one like that....it does not affect his life

 

[Crazy Taco]

poor fish I dont like seeing them like that

 

[Dan F]

It is too bad that it happened, but he really seems very healthy. It doesn't bother me, I'm just happy to have him.

I have an Upside-Down Cat that was severely deformed when I got him at about 1.5". He is missing part of his mouth and most of his right pectoral fin. He is now my oldest fish at 10 years old and one of my favorite fish.

It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round!