R.I.P. Hemiodus (sad) - Rest of the group strong!

FJB

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Dec 15, 2017
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It is never good to lose a fish, but happens all the time. Accidentally left the lid open overnight and one of four Hemiodus sp. cf unimaculatus jumped out probably in the morning when the lights came on. I found her about 2 hours later, not quite completely dried out, but completely dead. I can't even say I learned a lesson as nothing new was learned, specially with Hemiodus which are jumpy fish. Just a major mistake (didn't check twice).
It was the smallest, one of two I consider possible females. I thought she was under 6 inches. Well she was a bit over that. The other 3 are about 7 inches+.
I have only seen these fish in person twice. Once in Colombia, an aquarium store had a group. And once at Absolutely Fish in Newark, NJ, and I bought the four they had left. H. gracilis, with their red tail are more commonly seen, but not that frequently. These four fish grew from 2.5 to ~7 inches in less than 2.5 years. Absolutely beautiful.
Photos - The poor little one, the rest of the group.

Hemiodus 12Oct2020 comp.jpg

IMG_0483.jpg
 

fishhead0103666

Alligator Gar
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May 14, 2018
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You say there is not a lesson to be learned but I say there is, always check twice. Perhaps put some sort of system in place to force you to check twice somehow.
 
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fishhead0103666

Alligator Gar
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May 14, 2018
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Thank you All.
You are right- Always check twice. And I am working on a mesh cover of sorts. Cheers!
Fantastic to hear you’re actively doing something about it comrade.
 

characinkid

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Nov 3, 2005
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Sorry that you lost that one, but I woudl agree, a great looking fish that we dont see enough of in the hobby. A group of these in a large tank is a true sight to behold!
 
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