Ted, Sorry I missed the part about the body to study. I was posting on my lunch break and trying to be quick.
If I have a fish that dies I do necropsy but I really am not the best person for the job (not the most skilled at this). Many states have a fish vet and most public aquariums have a disease specialist. I've gotten help from them in the past and they usually are quite helpful. If you want I can try to find out if there is someone in your area. Hopefully you won't need them in the future but it's always a good resource if needed.
Just to add to my previous post, I have been using antibiotics and I did three formalin dips for external parasites just as a precaution even thought the fish didn't show any signs of parasites. I do that with all fish coming into my place. I am very wary of using a lower salinity to control external parasite because it does not eradicate the parasites and they can come back with a vengeance.
The peppermint I have that is eating is now tasting everything I offer. I have seen other new angelfish that don't seem to recognize the foods offered in the beginning so I don't think it's a peppermint only thing. For the one I have here I think he had to feel comfortable and settle in before he wanted to eat.
Karen
