Can anyone ID cause of death?

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FluffySackson

Gambusia
MFK Member
Aug 27, 2014
599
7
18
My baby 3" paratheraps breidohri was found dead this morning....I tested my water parameters to get 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and 10 nitrate. But days before his death, he was always hiding and rarely came out. Which was unusual for him as he was always grazing on the sand with the geos searching for food. I do plan on buying another batch (I bought mine alone, my LFS has 2" fry for sale) and grow them out in a separate tank (40 gallons) I put him in my 6" Vieja Maculicauda's 75 gallon tank in which he lives with a few geophagus red head tapajos who are 3" and a geophagus brasiliensis who is 5". I introduced him to the black belt (maculicauda) when he was only an inch, and the black belt completely ignored him. And I found him dead today, no pictures. The corpse was mangled to hell. He also looked like he hasn't eaten in days and was bone skinny, which was odd since he was still eating like a pig when he was in this stage. Anyone? :cry:
 
Juvenile fish that are forced togther in a glass box generally get along, at least for a little while. As those fish grow, and start heading towards sexual maturity, things can change in a hurry. Even long before that juvenile fish can become territorial, become aggro over food, etc, so take your pick, but it sounds like one of the larger fish just beat your 3" fish to death.
 
Murderer found: It was my black belt. He was found killing and eating my geophagus red head tapajo alive.
 
Black belts are notorious for their sudden unprovoked aggression once they approach sexual maturity. A 75 gallon is on the small side for a black belt, with or without tank mates. A much larger tank (150 gallons or more) is a better option, and even then you'll be limited in terms of compatibility. Geos, breidohri and the like are no match - black belts are tough customers. Your brasiliensis may also be in trouble at some point, depending on how aggressive it is, and depending on the size mismatch.
 
ah, that sucks. those are pretty fish too
 
Sorry about you fish....Where in Cali are you located? Where did you score that paratheraps breidohri?
Lucky you, you're in LA too. I got him from Exotic Life Fish and Reptiles in Chatsworth.
9919 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Chatsworth, CA 91311 is their address.
Their breidohris are about 20 dollars each, ask the tall skinny guy or the chubby dude with piercings. Tell them Daniel sent you.
:D
 
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