EMERGENCY pink tailed chalceus dying

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Rafini

Rafini

Piranha
MFK Member
Jun 28, 2012
1,930
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Calgary, Canada
I just moved all my fish from small tubs (with heaters and filters) for the last 2 days. they are all in the new tank and even though everyones a bit stressed after the move they have all came around and are now feeding. My chalceus has been fine all evening, swimming in the current and generally doing what chalceus's do. I take one look at the tank and suddenly hes upside down at the bottom.

I opened his mouth and put him near the outlet ( I heard this can revive unconcious fish)
I didn't hear any noises, but hes around 8" and quite thick. there is nothing else in the tank that could hurt him so I'm thinking maybe he knocked himself out by running into the side panel/ hood.

Right now the fish can't keep upright and I have him in a net at the surface to make sure nothing picks on him

does anybody have any advice? I don't want to lose this fish, so any advice at all would be helpful.
 
keep him in that net and wait until tomorrow to see how he dose is the only thing i can think about right now:(
 
I plan on keeping him in the net, This can't be the first time something like this has happened to a characin surely?

Thanks for replying, consdering theres always at least 6 viewing this thread titled "EMERGENCY" it was nice of you to respond. hopefully one of the people who read and not reply has had this happen before
 
aclockworkorange said:
IME those are just touchy fish when it comes to moving/shipping, just have to wait.


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So are you saying that they normally go into a state of shock and will come out of it if I leave him be? I'm just wondering if there is anything that should be done now to ensure the survival
 
Put him in a hospital tank with one tablespoon of salt per gallon.When I kept silver dollars the salt trick use to work for me.
 
I tend to agree that he probably ran into the side, I lost one a while back in the same manner. Mine was only about 4"-5" when it happened, though - what a shame if you lose your big guy! Good luck.
 
Methylene blue is a good treatment for getting more oxygen to the fish.

"The properties of the drug as an oxygen transporter (it converts methemoglobin to the normal oxygen carrying component of fish blood, hemoglobin)."

Of course, you don't want to treat your main tank with it as it will kill your bio filter. And it stains.


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well thanks for hte advice guys sadly he didn't make it. It's a shame it was a really nice looking one too. my gf's favourite fish also...
Luckily I should be able to get another one. I don't necasarily think it was a problem with oxygen because all my other fish are perfectly healthy and acting normal. I found him by the side of the tank (where I assumed he slammed into) virtually lifeless upside down and twitching. thats why I think he probably knocked himself out. He was literally paralysed when I tried to revive him in the net. Still breathing but unable to move.

I had the same condition on a convict a few months ago that got shocked by an electric catfish I kept. the fish was paralysed and could only swim on his side like a flounder, I had to put this guy to sleep.

Either way thanks for helping guys, its a real shame to see this fish go. I wonder if there are any other alternatives for an active top dweller in a 5x3 footprint
 
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