Stressed male after very long transport

[Brandon Beck]

That is worrisome and odd about how it’s reacting to food. Seems like you’re doing all the right things. Maybe you can raise the water temp to boost its metabolism

I know its very strange behavior. I did have water temp at 84 for a week but didnt seem to do anything. I dropped back down to 82 over the course of a couple days thinking more oxygen would be beneficial.

Its a very tough situation, I've never been so invested and cared for a fish so much. It definitely is a terrible feeling when I feel I cant do anything more.

I have part of the tank covered up for the past few days now and he just sits in the corner where its covered

 

[Scoot123]

Well 2 days of no interest in food again. It would stress him out/irritate him. This morning chewed on a piece of dew worm again like 1/4" piece. Seems like swallowing the food may be the issue.

Its sure been defeating seeing some progress maybe and then back downhill. I wish there was more I could do for him

You need fine chopped worms. Maybe a couple rings of the worm itself. It’s gross breaking worm down that fine but he should not has to chew for minutes on a piece of worm like you stated in a previous post. It should be an effortless process for him to swallow with the condition he is in.

 

[HUKIT]

I’ve never owned a stingray but I have had to force feed some very large Central American cichlids metro/prazi, Vitachem, and some ground up pellets to treat for hexamita. I used soft pipettes to force the slurry concoction directly into the stomach as the fish were no longer eating. I’ve had 100% success in the handful of times I’ve done it. Is that something you could do with rays?

 

[Brandon Beck]

You need fine chopped worms. Maybe a couple rings of the worm itself. It’s gross breaking worm down that fine but he should not has to chew for minutes on a piece of worm like you stated in a previous post. It should be an effortless process for him to swallow with the condition he is in.

I chop the worms very fine. Definitely not the best thing to do haha. Sometimes he will chew on the tiny pieces. Still just wont swallow. Its almost as if he wants to eat but just cant complete it. He even tries to chew on the worms sometimes but its as if hes not coordinated enough to line the food up with his mouth.

It has been very up and down, some days it looks promising as he might be turning the corner then the next day 0 interest in food again.

Last night I observed him sitting in a spot looked like he was chewing for a good 30 seconds but no food was even under him.

Its been 30 days in my care now. Still doing daily water changes and feeding attempts twice a day. Hip bones showing a bit but his forehead is still looking okay.

 

[danotaylor]

If the throat issue is swelling from the ammonia burns, I wonder if some steroid injections might help? Do you know a vet locally mate?

 

[Brandon Beck]

If the throat issue is swelling from the ammonia burns, I wonder if some steroid injections might help? Do you know a vet locally mate?

The closest fish vet to me is a 6 hour round trip. I did call them, but they wont do anything unless I bring him in for an examination. Which in his condition I dont think it would be very good for him. I could be wrong though.

 

[Brandon Beck]

If the throat issue is swelling from the ammonia burns, I wonder if some steroid injections might help? Do you know a vet locally mate?

I wonder if kanaplex (kanamycin) would help with internal bacteria, if its some sort of throat, or stomach issue.

It has to be something internal stopping him from swallowing.

Again this morning, Fine chopped worms 1/8" or less, he was trying so hard to eat but just does not swallow. Shouldn't be struggling to swallow a tiny piece of worm, its so small he shouldn't even have to chew it

 

[danotaylor]

Yea, that a long trip in his condition.

I honestly don’t know about kanaplex mate.

Is the person/company or transhipper that shipped this guy gonna help if he doesn’t make it? He’s been sick since the day he arrived.

Sorry for all the stress. This really puts a dampener in the joy of ray keeping

 

[Brandon Beck]

Yea, that a long trip in his condition.

I honestly don’t know about kanaplex mate.

Is the person/company or transhipper that shipped this guy gonna help if he doesn’t make it? He’s been sick since the day he arrived.

Sorry for all the stress. This really puts a dampener in the joy of ray keeping

I haven't asked him yet, im still in contact with him almost daily.

I knew there was some risk involved in doing an import like this but never expected it to be this bad. Definitely been difficult to deal with.

Trying to stay hopeful and just keep trying to feed

 

[danotaylor]

Standing with you brutha mate and hoping for a turned corner here asap