FishProfiles.com Message Forums

So today I almost tripped and fell right in front of my fish tank, and made a loud vibration... the lid on my fish tank was pushed just a little bit back and when i tripped one of my dojo loaches FLIPPED OUT! I have never seen anything like it he/she went mad swimming as fast as possible, zooms around the tank a couple times and then LEAPS out of the tank onto the floor right in front of it! probably fell about 4 feet. luckily I scooped the thing up really fast with both hands and tossed it back into the tank... seemed to be in shock for a minute but now is acting normal... what is the likelihood that my loach is damaged from this event?

anyways, now I know how reactive these fish actually are. I knew they were jumpers, but I had no idea it was like this! I hope we don't have any earthquakes! I'm keeping the lid CLOSED ALL THE WAY AT ALL TIMES from now on....

Attached Image:

flying fish! I guess thats why they are both named falcor...

Yes, it is quite wise to keep the tank sealed with skinny fish like dojos. The loach should recover just fine from this experience, though, it is a good thing you were around.

--------------------------------------------
The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

Hi,
When a fish makes a "leap of faith" we all have the
tendency to return it to the tank as fast at we can
catch it. Most of the time, the fish comes out of
the experience just fine and none the worst for wear.

However, it is usually recommended that the owner dip
their hands in the tank to get them wet, and then catch
the fish with wet hands and return it to the tank.
Depending upon what the fish falls on, the mucus covering
on the fish can be scraped of, either by dry hands,
or wiggling around on the floor or carpet. Brusing,
or scraping of the scales can leave the fish open for
infection.

Some recommend that a water conditioner that contains
aloe as one of its ingredients be added to the tank as
a kind of prophylactic. The aloe helps repair the mucus
covering.

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--