Aiptasia graaped on to the tail!!!!!!!

[johnkov418]

I did a quick search and I couldn't find a situation like mine.. My male barbouri (who just gave his first brood 3 days ago) was moving very funny in the tank.. It was like something was holding onto his tail and wouldn't let go .. After further observation I saw a single aiptasia's body wrapped around the tail!!! I l literally had to gently pull the seahorse's tail from this thing.. The aiptasia's head is maybe about the size of a nickle..

This happened about 3 hours ago and the male dosn't seem to be doing so well.. Very lathargec(hope I spelled that right) and breathing heavy.. He is normally a light brown but is now very pale!!

What should I do?? I am very upset considering he just gave his first brood and was looking forward to the challenge of raising the fry..

Please help with any suggestions... John

P.S. I did inject the aptasia with hot tap water (hope that works)..

 

[ReefNutPA]

I've not run into this situation before and quite honestly, I'm not sure how potent an aiptasia sting is. There really isn't an antidote for anemone stings in fish, that I'm aware of. At this point all you can do is watch the seahorse and if there is any broken skin, etc on the tail where it contacted the aiptasia, you could use a topical medicine like Neosporin, Bio-Bandage or dip the tail in Betadine to combat any infection at the sting point.

It's quite possible the labored breathing and color change is because the seahorse is hurting right now. Hopefully the sting isn't a lethal sting and as it wears off the seahorse will return to normal.

Keep us updated.



Tom

 

[johnkov418]

Thank you for the encouragement... I never want to lose an animal because of the care and cost put in.. But waht really hurts is the timing.. Never once had a problem with this particular horse and 3 days ago he gives a brood and now this.. I am at a loss of words..

Now when everyone talks about neosporin..Do you mean the same as the over the counter stuff.. I do have that on hand , what do I do put a little on the tail area?? Just curious ..

Thanks John

 

[johnkov418]

UPDATE,

I put some neosporin on the edge of its tail , it was the only meds I had on hand.. The horse is still motionless and breathing heavy..

I guess all I can do is wait it out...


One thing I do notice is that he seems to be gettihn his color back..(he was very pale but returning to a light brown)

Thanks again , John

 

[johnkov418]

UPDATE

1057pm..


Had him in a seperate tank with an airstone and neosporin applied to his tail..


I lost him , he totally stopped breathing... I must say that I am very upset due to the fact he was in perfect health and just gave a brood on Monday..

The only thing I can think of is that he used so much energy giving birth that his immune system couldn't handle and shock of an anenome sting..

I guess all I can do is dedicate myself to raising the fry ...



Thank you , John

 

[pledosophy]

There's nothing you could have done. Sorry for the loss.

 

[Nano-Nag]

John,

Coming out of Club Lurk to say that I am very sorry you lost your barbouri boy - and to wish you the best of luck raising his fry!

Shay

 

[CeaHorseMaShell]

sounds like you did everything you could to make him feel more comfortable. Sorry for your loss.
Michele

 

[hydroid]

That sucks ... sorry to hear about your loss.

I'm going out and buying some Joe's Juice right now.