HELP! My catfish swallowed a Rock!!!!

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The TRUST

The TRUST

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Jan 19, 2005
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I need some helpful advice on what to do. My 14-15" TSNxRTC swallowed a pretty decent sized river rock. The rock is about 2.75" I kinda guess it was that a few days ago but finally confirmed it today. So it's been there for about a week now. Can anyone suggest what to do? I feel bad for the fish and it doesn't look like it can spit it out. :(

:help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :feedback: :feedback: :feedback:
 
The TRUST said:
I need some helpful advice on what to do. My 14-15" TSNxRTC swallowed a pretty decent sized river rock. The rock is about 2.75" I kinda guess it was that a few days ago but finally confirmed it today. So it's been there for about a week now. Can anyone suggest what to do? I feel bad for the fish and it doesn't look like it can spit it out. :(

:help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :feedback: :feedback: :feedback:
Click to expand...

try some epsom salt?

it makes them vomit.
 
How much current do you have in your tank? And, are there any breaks (rocks, driftwood, etc) where the cat can settle down out of any currents? It's not uncommon for fish to take on ballast to maintain a preferred position/location with the water column. Usually, once cats feel they no longer need it, they'll regurgitate the ballast.
 
If you are using Epsom salt the fish must be isolated in an adequate plastic tray with a lid. I am not sure of the dosage but you must watch the fish continuously and if the fish stops breathing or rolls over you must resuscitate it immediately. Have a tub of tank water ready and a power head or other small pump with a hose attached which you can put in the fishes mouth to force water through the gills.

A friend of mine had a similar problem and was successful with surgery. See link to our site with photos and story.

This is a photo of a 17” Tiger Redtail hybrid which had swallowed a 3-1/2” clay pot chard.

3ClayPotFragmentFromCatfishBelly151.jpg


This is a link to the entire set of catfish surgery photos:
http://anythingfish.com/images/Ted/PhotoGallery/TigerRedtailSurgery.htm

Visit our AnythingFish website: 2400 gallon outdoor aquarium construction photos, filters and filtration issues, Jumbo tropical fish: Pacu, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, Redtail Catfish, Arowana, Marbled Sailfin, Stingrays, African Lungfish, Koi pond
http://www.anythingfish.com
 
Oddball said:
How much current do you have in your tank? And, are there any breaks (rocks, driftwood, etc) where the cat can settle down out of any currents? It's not uncommon for fish to take on ballast to maintain a preferred position/location with the water column. Usually, once cats feel they no longer need it, they'll regurgitate the ballast.
Click to expand...

Actually the current in my tank has died down as one of my pumps is broke while awaiting a replacement. He seems to actually like hanging around the side of the tank that has still some slight water movement. I belive that one pump is pumping 1321gph.
 
Anythingfish said:
If you are using Epsom salt the fish must be isolated in an adequate plastic tray with a lid. I am not sure of the dosage but you must watch the fish continuously and if the fish stops breathing or rolls over you must resuscitate it immediately. Have a tub of tank water ready and a power head or other small pump with a hose attached which you can put in the fishes mouth to force water through the gills.

A friend of mine had a similar problem and was successful with surgery. See link to our site with photos and story.

This is a photo of a 17” Tiger Redtail hybrid which had swallowed a 3-1/2” clay pot chard.
Click to expand...


Hmmmm you think I can slowly push the rock out through the mouth if I tranquilize the fish enough?
 
The TRUST said:
Really??? How much? but if I medicate my tank wont all my fish vommit? But I have used epsom salt in my cichlid tanks before and it just makes the water harder.
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ok. epsom salt must be used sparingly. If you do not want a mess in your tank you should as mentioned medicate your fish seperately. I dont know much about measurement. I just gauge the amount of water and use accordingly. If in a3ft tank i think a teaspoon will do.

So far my fish have all vomitted or farted after epsom salt useage. I get mine from the pharmacy my mom works at. Can be used for treatment of excess air in the fish's swim bladder too.
 
The TRUST said:
WOW! I didn't know that. I must definitely try that out.
Click to expand...

I didnt know that either till my friend who worked at a fish farm and a LFS taught me that.

Had no idea that the laxative salt could be that useful...
 
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