I fear I know the answer. But in hope against hope, I’ll ask the question. NSF to protect anyone squeamish from some sad photos.
My poor little cory wedged its way under a rock and got stuck. While counting fish I found and released her. She was in pretty bad shape already, we weren’t really sure she was gonna make it.
But this morning, still kicking. Breathing was less labored and she made attempts to eat.
Fast forward to tonight. She’s in horrific shape. My assumption is that the danios and maybe tetra were getting nippy, although my husband didn’t directly witness it.
So when I got home I moved her to the quarantine tank where I currently have four emerald corys without sign of illness (3 weeks). Same parameters, but without a bacterial bloom, so I don’t think there will be much shock.
She’s moving only when absolutely necessary. If she’s not startled she might move an inch with much effort. If she gets startled she can move six inches pretty quickly. But she didn’t even move when we netted her.
What should I do? Can I treat her? Or is she just bound to a life of misery now?
PS. While drafting this, I moved the emeralds to the main tank. They’re from a trusted source, so hopefully that will be ok. I realized my little injured one might be carrying an infection an thought it prudent.
Picture one is today, picture two is last night.
Please be kind. I’m an earnest newbie who’s done everything I can to learn about and practice great fish care. Please do correct anything I’m doing wrong, but also please temper your words. I feel horrible already. I know that if she wasn’t already a goner I’ve probably killed her by not moving her earlier.
Posted by abbydabbydo
8 Comments
Unfortunately I think that euthanizing is crazy in this hobby, maybe it’s just me and my gf. Our blood parrot ( genetic horror ) struggles with her swim bladder and always thinks she’s dying, when it’s just how that fish is 🙁
I think that close monitoring in the hospital tank will either give her time to heal, or a peaceful tank to pass on in.
I don’t know, she’s obviously stressed and fins been nibbled, but I’ve had fish with pretty bad fin damage make good recovery with proper rest and/or treatment for infection. I’m not really seeing signs of infection right now so I don’t know that id treat with medication yet.
All this to say, I think what you’ve done so far is exactly what I’d have done. I would wait it out to see if she makes a recovery, unless she really starts showing signs of agony.
I would NOT euthanize this fish. She looks pretty beat up, but I definitely wouldn’t say she’s beyond hope from the pictures. I think separating her to the quarantine tank was a good move. I’d keep her there until she recovers and her fins heal. A light anti-fungal/antibacterial could help her avoid infections on the fin damage, but I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely necessary unless you see something develop. I might also turn off the lights in her tank or at least reduce the photoperiod for a few days to reduce stress.
Keep fighting for her until she stops fighting. I’ve seen fish have there body’s nearly bitten in half and come back better then before. Sorry about not being able to tell u what to do tho
I dont think this is euthanasia worthy at all. There is a chance the fish might not make it but i think theres a pretty good chance it will recover. I’ve seen fish with literal holes as veiwing windows into internal organs make a recovery. Doesn’t look like anythings broken or crushed internally as far as we can tell.(no bruising) just some fin damage that will grow back.
The fish is stressed right now and recovery takes time. The fact they fish made it the night is a good sign.
This fishes fins will grow back. I’m more concerned why the fish is missing its barrels? Is it just this cory that’s missing its whiskers?
Clean water and the right parameters is the best thing you can do right now
There is no permanent structural damage to the fish, just lost some finage. Unless it gets an infection it should fully recover, including regrowth of its fins.
I’ve received much worse from import shipments that made full recoveries in a few weeks.
fins usually grow back depending on how far down the damage goes. This fish will probably grow at least some of its finnage back with some time
I have a swordtail who had similar injuries as a baby and it never grew its fins back, and as an adult it manages just fine somehow. It swims okay and lately it’s even trying to mate
She will heal. She just needs a calm and quiet place to rest and repair