Pup Died

[meghanashley]

Just trying to figure out why, she was active, I actually got her to eat (tubifex worms live) and with that, I had thought she had some pretty good odds. Last night I woke up around 12, not sure why but I had a feeling I needed to check on her. She was belly up ( thought she was dead) but I righted her and after some struggling on her part to stay right side up she seemed to be ok her disk color darkened up and she started moving around the tank. I tested all the parameters (all was good) added some more salt, an air stone, did about a 20% water change/ syphon (didn't want to do more because I had already syphoned that morning) and then upped the temp a bit. This morning she's dead. She was passing very large feces before I went to bed last night, I know rays are known for the doing so but the amount seemed ridiculous for such a little creature. Any insight? Thanks

 

[haynchinook334]

Internal parasite i think it was. The white feces from your last thread gave it away. I think. Sorry for your loss.

 

[meghanashley]

thanks haynchinook, I feel bad, hoping I didn't miss doing anything essential that could have helped save her, and wanted to see if there was anything different I should do for next time.

 

[haynchinook334]

thanks haynchinook, I feel bad, hoping I didn't miss doing anything essential that could have helped save her, and wanted to see if there was anything different I should do for next time.

You did all you can do and a good job at that. Next with your ray venture, watch the store feed the ray, stick around to see it poo if you can, look for sunken in head ( due to under feeding), look for pink belly ( not good).

 

[haynchinook334]

Sorry to double post....

But, retic are sensitive to water changes, diet changes, adjusting, and high stress when first introduced to a new tank. Retic is a damn hard ray to keep happy in most times. But still, you did all you can for the little girl. I hope you don't give up on ray keeping.

 

[meghanashley]

Freshwater rays have always been very high on my list to get. I don't think I will be detered Once I get my next bigger tank (there's always on in the works), which will be able to meet the adult requirements for rays then I can grow out some pups in my 160 and hopefully be more sucessful. Might try the easier rays like a motoro as my starter ray next time.

Your right, I knew right off the bat that she had parasites and should have beaten down my urge to try and "save" things. Didn't do any saving anyway. Thanks for the tips and kind words.

 

[wheresalbany]

sound slike you did everything right. unfortunately, by the time the rays get to your tank, they've been through so much stress that they can be beyond repair. Don't let this dicourage you.

 

[meghanashley]

Thanks, makes me feel better especially coming from ray keepers. Next year around this time, i'll be posting some more pups

 

[haynchinook334]

Thanks, makes me feel better especially coming from ray keepers. Next year around this time, i'll be posting some more pups

Good to see you not giving up hope. Ray's are great and really have a character all of there own. When i get back to state side ray's and pbass will be all i will do.

 

[meghanashley]

look forward to the pictures