Bichir has fishing line stuck in the gills

Nim Dibbley

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2010
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CA
I think my fish ate fishing line and tried to expel it from the gills. And now it’s stuck. I tried to get a better pic, but this is the best I can do. I’m not sure if I should just wait and see what happens or try and remove it.

Before you ask, the fishing line was used years ago in this tank to attach plants to driftwood. I thought it had all been removed and kinda forgot about it. It looks like I must have missed some.

3D84EF38-5079-4400-9427-81438113E705.jpeg
 

Nim Dibbley

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2010
725
34
61
CA
Chris, Net this out. Grab a wet cloth to secure Ansorgii. Gently pull/remove this fishing line out. That’s what I’d do in this situation.
Thanks. You don’t think I’d need to drug the fish? I don’t want to...
 

Nim Dibbley

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2010
725
34
61
CA
No. It helps to have another person secure (hold) with a wet towel. Then pull it out gently. If u wrap poly like a wet burrito, lol. It’ll reduce the risk if injuries.
Ha. I think I’ll try the wet burrito approach.
 
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Nim Dibbley

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2010
725
34
61
CA
No. It helps to have another person secure (hold) with a wet towel. Then pull it out gently. If u wrap poly like a wet burrito, lol. It’ll reduce the risk if injuries.
Didn’t have to touch the fish at all. The line was not in its gills as it appeared. It was wrapped around its neck and it was relatively loose. I was able to get a pair of scissors in and snip it off.

26E282FB-1C83-4554-90B1-4C5568524F81.jpeg
 
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