FishProfiles.com Message Forums

First the large 6ins RTBS dies suddenly, then the extra large CL, and finally I hope thec last, another old fish who wasted away the very large Pictus.

The behaviour has been strange ever since the RTBS died as he was the boss of the tank, next in order would have been the large CL. The large Pictus certainly would have never been in the pecking order as it was extremly shy.

Now the remaining two older CL are not coming out to eat at all.

Most of the Clowns would have been bought about the same time about 15years ago the RTBS 4 years ago (it was a rescue) the large pictus about 5 years but was a good size when I bought him.

Has any one else heard or noticed this type of behaviour before. Saying this it is very possible the Clowns are older than many members.

Keith

Last edited by keithgh at 24-Aug-2005 23:38

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

the only reason i can think of this type of response is fish are missing from thier school. They could be concerned their is another fish eating them or they feel valnerable being low in numbers. They were together alot of yrs but im not sure

Try their favorites keith, might get them to come out.

unusual for differing species to miss schooling members of other species- probly worth doing a real check on everything with a fine toothcomb -like water chemistry-presence of undiagnosed disease etc. Cant eliminate the possibility of "mystery" viruses, parasites and bacteria.Probably 9/10 's of the diseases fish get are undescribed, and not all have visible symptoms.

It might be worth asking a vet about metronidazole as flagellate protozoans are common culprits of "unexplained deaths", and metronidazole treats a broad spectrum of them. In addition it should be noted that while metronidazole is effective on some fish ,(it has been used successfully in treating discus with hole-in-the-head-disease) it can have risks as a treatment,it certainly wasnt originally developed for fish use.

In some species of snake and birds it has been known to cause brain damage, and although fish have radically different biochemistry, the possibility cannot be ruled out.The same could also be true of worm infestations and the use of ivermectin, not all worms cause bloating of the belly, migratory worms can go straight for the heart or brain, leaving no visible trace on the victim unless you can use a microscope, and fish may live with such parasites for life or be killed quickly by them depending on circumstances.

Ivermectin is effective for treating worms on large fish be they freshwater like trout, or seafaring like adult salmon, indeed few of us these days will have eaten a farmed fish that isnt treated with ivermectin, but extreme caution is advised for the use of it with small fish. Certainly this treatment will kill a wide variety of invertabrates.

At the very least I would consider a long period of observation before adding new fish to the tank, maybe even for several months, as the incubation period of some viruses and parasites can certainly be that long.I just think that assuming deaths to be purely behavioural is a bit dangerous to the fish, quite simply because there is no conclusive proof for it. I hope this post shows you a few other things to consider.

best of luck with your fish.


Last edited by longhairedgit at 25-Aug-2005 08:29

Last edited by longhairedgit at 25-Aug-2005 08:30

Last edited by longhairedgit at 25-Aug-2005 08:34

Last edited by longhairedgit at 25-Aug-2005 08:46

Hi Keith,

Sorry for the losses. 15 years is along time to have a fish.

Old age is a possibility. But the behaviour of other fish is disturbing.

The tanks been set up a long time. Any chance you have a case of "old tank syndrome" ? Have water parameters been checked recently, specifically pH and GH ?

Any recent additions changes that may have introduced something ?

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Bernard

I had the tank tested very recently before deaths and every thing was perfect.

The tank is about 2.5 years old. Therefore I dont think it is an old tank.

Last night after lights out one of the large loaches came out for a while.

I will do a water change twice next week Sat & Wed and get a full test done Mon & Friday

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW