Sick 25-year-old Rafael Catfish

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That is amazing. Regardless of the outcome here that is extraordinary to have a fish that long.
I had a very old tiretrack eel that seemed to have 9 lives. He became all bloated, looked at death’s door. I was going to euthanize him, had bucket, clove oil and vodka ready, but he jumped out of the net, i couldn’t catch him. I figured if he had that much life left, I abandoned the euthanasia idea. He somehow went back to normal. Then he went blind, and I had to feed him worms with a long stick near his mouth for about a year. He finally died a few weeks ago, he’s in the freezer, we will put him into the Hudson River.

We also have two leopard gekos that are 22 years old. Normal lifespan is 8-10 years.

Maybe Catfish will somehow recover?
 
The best thing is keeping the water clean as possible some salt and even epsom, vitamin C.

maybe spoil him with live blackworms if you have access to those.
 
Am very sorry. Animals know its their time to go. Good job keeping a fish this long its legendary. Did you give it a name by any chance?
 
Sorry, to see your fish in that condition. I hope it recovers. They are tough as nails.
I bought one 22 years ago and it is still going strong in my dad's aquarium. Since I got it at 5 inch I guess that it is at least 24 years old. It survived some broken heaters and filters and all the beginner mistakes I did.
And I know somebody whos has one that is at least 30 years old.
 
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