Need Help! rtc x tsn hybrid with gill curl

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I don't know first hand but think that for a such a quick and utterly minor "surgery", the fish does not need to be put out. Neither do I know if it grows back and if it grows back straight. If it is genetic (I think this is rare), it probably will grow back curled. If this is caused by poor care (I think 99% of cases), it may grow back straight, again, if it grows back at all - gill flaps are not like fins and barbels.

But anyhow, surgery is the only option. It will never go back to any extent no matter how good a water you provide.
 
you need to put the fish to sleep and then cut the curl off. the anesthetic is prolly more expensive then the fish
 
That's a well known one but one must be very experienced with it. A bit less, and it doesn't work or doesn't work well; a bit more and the fish never comes back. Seriously.

As for cutting, wait until someone who knows/done this. If it was me, I'd just hold the fish down wrapped in a towel and use a very sharp scalpel or a brand new utility knife or may be even just good scissors.

Good-looking cat BTW. Kudos for saving it. Have you been advised by known experts that cutting the curled gill will be or can be beneficial to the fish? Are you sure it is not better to just let it be? Are you worried about its health or aesthetics?
 
I have had the cat for 4 days and have been researching on whatever I can find online. I'm just trying to do what's best for the cats health. I really donot what to do, some people say cut it and it will grow back, while others say cutting will make it worse and just leave it.
 
I feel your anguish. When taking advises, please remember to evaluate who advises, especially on forums. There is a lot of people out there sounding like they know what they are talking about (like me) but are not experts. In such serious cases, I'd make sure I heed what experts say. If 100 low-level hobbyists with unknown (to you) reputation say this and 1 ichthyologist or a vet says that, I'd side with the professional. Just as an example. There are plenty of disagreements among professionals too but they are about much more complicated things, trivial (on their level) things they usually agree on.

There is no rush, BTW, either. Your fish is fine and will be fine. You can continue searching for a quality trustworthy advice. Having a gill curl causes weaker flow of water over the gill, so fish has to take breaths more often. If you'd like to compensate for that, make sure your water is as aerated as possible, is all.

Having had a long history on PCF, I would advise you to seek a consultation there too. You will see it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom