Will my rope die???

[chefrific]

My new 10" ropefish decided to leap out of the only TINY hole in my canopy. I was gone for at least 2 hours, not sure how long he was out of tank. I found him gasping on floor next to tank. I immediately placed him back in tank and he just floated around with no control as if dead. I noticed him trying to swim and it was breathing well. Later after a little gentle coaxing, he began to swim somewhat normally and this morning he is just sitting at bottom of tank. I think he is "ok" but should I be worried, here's a pic of him this morning.

 

[draco]

My new 10" ropefish decided to leap out of the only TINY hole in my canopy. I was gone for at least 2 hours, not sure how long he was out of tank. I found him gasping on floor next to tank. I immediately placed him back in tank and he just floated around with no control as if dead. I noticed him trying to swim and it was breathing well. Later after a little gentle coaxing, he began to swim somewhat normally and this morning he is just sitting at bottom of tank. I think he is "ok" but should I be worried, here's a pic of him this morning.

He should be ok they can live outside the tank for several hours if they don't dry out to much. The fact that he is still alive the next day is a good sign. I would be concerned about the white spots though. In the pic it looks like he might have some ich, unless that is just substrate or something on him. If it is Ich I have used Kordon's Rid Ich with great success on my ropes and eels.

 

[chefrific]

I believe the white spots are just debris from hitting floor.

 

[jdryden]

Good luck with it. I love my two ropes and would hate to lose them.

 

[sandtiger]

Not much you can do, I suggest turning out the lights and reducing stress as much as you can and keep a close eye on him in case a disease takes advantage of his weak state. I would say his odds are pretty good though.

 

[Delhezi222]

I'd just monitor him closely for a bit, but judging by the pictures, I think he'll be all right.

 

[Onion01]

good luck man! He looks like a great fish

 

[ShadowBass]

I know someone that had a bluegill that ended up out of the tank for a couple of hours, looked all dried up when he found it and still survived somehow. Those aren't even fish that are meant to survive being out of the water for any period of time like ropefish are, so I would give your guy a really good chance of surviving.

 

[chefrific]

Update... 24 hours later. Rope seems to be fine. A little lethargic, but roaming around bottom of tank with night lights (red LED's) just fine. Nibbled a little on some bloodworms as well. Things looking much better. Also, "white spots" gone. It was just debris/substrate etc.. Thanks to all for the input.