Clown loach has barbel lodged in throat

[webdesigner]

My largest Clown loach was injured by another large loach. She's had a huge barbel protruding from her throat area for a few days. I assume I need to remove it. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[fishdance]

Is this the sub ocular spike? (from below the eye)? If so this spine is not barbed so your fish will be able to work it free all by itself. Give it a week before trying to pull it out yourself.

 

[toehead11183]

i agree. since its a bottom feeder, it should work free

 

[pmtuneman13]

Vicious little critters! Hope it is ok. Loaches make the tank.

 

[webdesigner]

It is about 1" below the bifurcated subocular spine. It is a long spine from another large loach. The area around the puncture wound has started to turn red.

 

[killerfish]

add a little salt and keep an eye on it watch out for infection

 

[webdesigner]

How long should I wait to intervene? She's been carrying this extra barbel around for almost a week.

 

[ewurm]

Can you get a pic?

 

[Primus]

Can you get a pic?

Would love to see pics of this also. Those barbs below the eye are very sharp. Wonder if they grow back when they loose them like this?

 

[toehead11183]

hows the loach doing?