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A few weeks ago you may have seen my post of the lnew little female blue ram I got (see Cichlid Central: New Addition) anyway, I have been hunting for a male for her and finally found one yesterday. He was fairly skinny but I figured the 2 young severums he was with were getting all the food. So I bought him and figured with some frozen bloodworms and brineshrimp I could fatten him up. It wasnt till I got him in the QT tank that I realized how skinny he was. He still has nice color, no outward signs of illness except for severe emaciation(sp). But when I tried to feed him last night he wouldnt eat. So I just figured he was still gettting used to the new surroundings. But he still wont eat 24 hours later. Please help. I would hate to loose him.

Thanks

It seems he has gotten worse
He was just swimming around slowly, but now I found him lying on the bottom breathing heavliy. I dont think he will make it through the night. I will probably have to go get my money back for him tomorrow. Im guessing there is nothing I can do for him now. At least he got to live his last hours away from some rowdy severums

He still isnt eating bloodworms,brinshrimp,flakes, or pellets.

As you know punk, rams are very sensitive, i recall when i brought my ram home from the LFS, i experienced the same thing, i thought he was a gonner for sure. but after a few WEEKS of him being in the tank he finally came around. you are probably right about why he is skinny. i hope your little guy pulls through.

one more thing, they are very shy fish i have noticed, even if they are the only fish in the tank. my ram will miss out on a few meals before he finally gives in and gets himself some food.

i would say just give him some time and i bet he will come around.

"The Earth is God's Fish Tank"

I agree it sounds like a stress situation. Try adding some Melafix as recommended this will help in any new fish into the tank.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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I don't have a lot to add to the suggestions other than to say hang in there and be patient... (yea, I actually said to be patient, lol)

I will be pulling for you and your newest addition... I am hoping it's jsut a stress/acclimation issue... There's some great acclimation articles on [link]www.liveaquaria.com [/link]

Check 'em out...

Good luck!

Thanks guys for the responses.

To tell you the truth I think he was just too weak to begin with, and now the stress from the move has just been too much for him. I dont think there was a problem with acclimation as it was around 3 hours. Anyway he hasnt moved much since I did a WC and his breathing has slowed alot. I will keep you all posted.

Parameters: In the QT tank

pH- 6.5
nitrite- 0ppm
nitrate- 15ppm before WC 10ppm now
ammonia- 0ppm

Here is a pic of him facedown in gravel. Pretty sure he is a gonner

Attached Image:

Sad news, he is gone Oh well Thanks for the replies all.

Sorry, I know you realy tried.

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

damnit!!! i really wanted to see your little guy pull through. Sorry for your loss punk, you did all you could do.


Remember: ALL FISH GO TO HEAVEN

"The Earth is God's Fish Tank"

Sorry Punk... I was pulling for yer lil guy!

RNJ, I feel for you man, i have also tried Blues and they are very sensitive. All I can say is dont let this setback put you off. We know you tried your hardest to keep this little guy going. For that I am proud of you.

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Thanks all

Next time I search for a male I will just get a nice healthy one. My female deserves one. Thanks again.

Ryan:

Don't feel bad - he was doomed from the beginning and the store should have never sold the fish to you! Next time pay close attention if the belly of the desired fish appears to be sunken in. Young rams are ferocious eater, if in doubt at your LFS ask if you could feed them. If they shy away, do the same from buying this fish.

catdancer-

I realized he was quite skinny when I bought him, and that particular lfs would have sold me a fish whose head was falling off But I figured I could have gotten him to eat some since the severums he was with were most likely keeping food from him.

But thanks

Rams do have a high chance of carrying parasites. That may have caused him to get so skinny and easily stressed in the first place. Another reason I would only buy rams from individuals. All the stores that carried them had at least a few in the tank showing signs of parasites. 2 of the ones I bought were in good color and actively swimming but just a little skinny. They both turned out to have parasites and didn't make it. Either buy from someone who knows their stock is healthy or be ready to treat for parasites.

Sham-

It is VERY likely that is why he was soo skinny, but with the short amount of time he was with me it was hard to tell. Although that is probably it.

Thanks

Ryan , sorry to hear about your loss . Chin up you did your best

Garry

Thanks Garry, he wasnt much of anything to start with. I wasnt expecting him to do all that well. But I thought it was at least worth a try. Thanks for your kind words.