So after a water change last night, my male monocell hybrid decided he wanted to go belly up and start hemorrhaging. He's 14-15" and about a year and half old. Everyone else in the tank is perfectly fine, including the female monocell hybrid who's a couple months older and a inch or two bigger. They've been in the tank together as the only peacock bass for nearly 9 months now and have developed a clear bond. This bond was proven today when I noticed the male was having his issues.
Below is a picture of the two of them.
![c9bMoCi[1].jpg](https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/data/attachments/1002/1002845-96af78373735f6b6a11ecaa474b042f9.jpg?hash=lq94Nzc19r "c9bMoCi[1].jpg")
Not only has she not left his side since last night when he was showing slight issues (I was hoping it was just a random thing and he'd snap out of it over night), but she protects him and guards him from the other fish in the tank, actively chasing them away and flaring up at them. Even more impressive is she tried to right him and flip him on his belly by gently pushing and nudging him, trying to get him to roll over.
I have NEVER seen such a display from a fish. Not only does this show intelligence, but it shows empathy. it shows bonding, caring, friendship, FEELINGS!
You may think i'm anthropomorphizing my fish, and maybe i am a bit. but the facts are there, do with them as you see fit.
Here's a video of her trying to help him, guarding him, and staying by him.
As for him, he's still fighting. I gave him a 10 minute epsom salt bath earlier today. Had to cut it short a bit because he was actively trying to jump out of the tote. I've got him set up in a half full 55 gallon quarantine tank with a filter (eheim 2217 full of pot scrubbies only), heater set to 80F, and started a treatment of maracyn 2. He's still belly up and breathing hard, but is showing slightly less signs of hemorrhaging.
Below is a picture of the two of them.
Not only has she not left his side since last night when he was showing slight issues (I was hoping it was just a random thing and he'd snap out of it over night), but she protects him and guards him from the other fish in the tank, actively chasing them away and flaring up at them. Even more impressive is she tried to right him and flip him on his belly by gently pushing and nudging him, trying to get him to roll over.
I have NEVER seen such a display from a fish. Not only does this show intelligence, but it shows empathy. it shows bonding, caring, friendship, FEELINGS!
You may think i'm anthropomorphizing my fish, and maybe i am a bit. but the facts are there, do with them as you see fit.
Here's a video of her trying to help him, guarding him, and staying by him.
As for him, he's still fighting. I gave him a 10 minute epsom salt bath earlier today. Had to cut it short a bit because he was actively trying to jump out of the tote. I've got him set up in a half full 55 gallon quarantine tank with a filter (eheim 2217 full of pot scrubbies only), heater set to 80F, and started a treatment of maracyn 2. He's still belly up and breathing hard, but is showing slightly less signs of hemorrhaging.
