Sad news, my big boy "Flipper" passed away this month. I bought him at 5 inches on October 4th 2002 for 19.99 he was advertised as wild caught. I went on vacation and he must have either been startled by who I had feed him or was chasing the breeding convicts in the tank. Anyhow when I returned he had a huge gash on his jaw. My guess is he rammed a piece of large driftwood I had in the tank. I took the piece out that I thought he rammed. He was in a 180 gallon. I had the temp at 88 degree's and added salt but it must have gotten infected. He seemed ok for the first week but he then stopped eating for a few days. I should have acted sooner because a few days later he was listless but alive. I went to get some melafix thinking he would hang on for awhile but by the time I returned he was dead. It all went down about a week and a half after I returned from vacation. I could kick myself for not acting sooner and for thinking he would recover. I planned on keeping this fish for life which should have been 20+ years at least.
His final verified size was 18 & 3/8 inches and his girth was 16 & 3/4 inches. I have him frozen in the spare freezer because I would like to have him mounted. Anyone know a taxidermest who has reasonable prices?
His final verified size was 18 & 3/8 inches and his girth was 16 & 3/4 inches. I have him frozen in the spare freezer because I would like to have him mounted. Anyone know a taxidermest who has reasonable prices?
