Flame Angel died

[NTP66]

Well, the Flame Angel I just picked up at my LFS died within two days, and I'm not exactly sure why. At first, I thought it might have flukes, because of the way it was acting directly after acclimation (head flicking), and began treating with PraziPro. A few hours later, he was acting completely normal. He hadn't eaten since introducing him into my QT, but still looked completely fine when I left for work this morning. I want to say that I'm surprised, but I do recall reading about how others had bad luck with Flames.

The other kick in the groin is that my LFS apparently has no livestock return policy at all, so I'm out $60 (it was an adult Flame). I'm honestly thinking about dropping the Flame altogether now and sticking with just 3 fish for this 90g.

 

[wooden_reefer]

Do you have keen eyes for health of fish at LFS?

Was it feeding very well at the LFS?

The eagreness to feed is always one of the best signs. There is also movement and other behaviors that only one with keen eyes can tell.

 

[NTP66]

I'd like to think that I can spot a sick fish, but at this point, I could be wrong. I didn't witness him feeding at the LFS, but they told me that he had. He seemed completely normal, and looked very healthy (bright red coloring, perfect fins, breathing normally, etc.).

 

[wooden_reefer]

I'd like to think that I can spot a sick fish, but at this point, I could be wrong. I didn't witness him feeding at the LFS, but they told me that he had. He seemed completely normal, and looked very healthy (bright red coloring, perfect fins, breathing normally, etc.).

A newbie should never buy a fish that is not feeding properly. For some species, this means eagerly.

Some species are slow to accept prepared food. A newbie should decide whether to avoid these species. For some species, you will seldom if ever find one that feeds eagerly at LFS.

The flame angel IMO is marginal case. Some will and some won't.

 

[NTP66]

Before I even purchased the fish, I had read up on it here, and saw numerous others who had similar experiences, where the fish did not eat at the LFS (or they did not see it eat), brought it home only to have the fish take a few days before really starting to eat. You live and you learn, I guess.

 

[Phishguy]

I could be wrong but I'm not sure after a few days it would have died from not eating.. Although as a rule, I make my lfs feed any potential purchase and I Guage their health on their eagerness to eat.. I have had 2 flames without problem. My fist one died in a move by what I believe to be stress from the move... Did you see any spots? (ich)?

 

[wooden_reefer]

I could be wrong but I'm not sure after a few days it would have died from not eating.. QUOTE]

For just a few days, it is more likely the reason to cause it to not feed well that is the cause of death, not the actual lack of nurishment for a few days.

 

[NTP66]

I didn't see any signs of Ich, no, or any other disease for that matter. Given my LFS's policy, I'll be sticking to the online vendors from here on out. I should have had them feed the angel in front of me, but I honestly didn't even think of that at the time. It had barely been more than 24 hours that the fish had not eaten, FWIW.

 

[wooden_reefer]

I didn't see any signs of Ich, no, or any other disease for that matter. , FWIW.

Internal problems. Bacteria or fungus. Poor collection or shipping.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Many Flames come from Indonesia or the Phillipiines. Those countries have countless islands, making policing of collection practices and laws. Get one from a dealer that can tell you the source; like LA or BZ. Get one from Christmas island, Tahiti, etc. and you'll greatly improve the odds. You'll get a guarantee too. I've bought all of my fish from good online dealers and will never change. Many folks feel the same. I hope this fish was in a QT.

 

[NTP66]

I'm going to ask my LFS where this Flame came from, because I do recall reading about cyanide capture methods in the Asian areas. I didn't take any pictures, but did notice some white clouding above the gills of the Flame that wasn't there this morning.

And yes, this fish was in its own QT that I was preparing for tank transfer on. I spent too much money getting this setup running to chance it on not using a QT. my Foxface and Toby were both purchased online at saltwaterfish.com, so I plan on either using them again, LA or BZ.

 

[MrTuskfish]

You'll never really know why this fish died. It can happen to anyone and with any vendor.

 

[NTP66]

You'll never really know why this fish died. It can happen to anyone and with any vendor.

I know, but at least I'll feel a bit better knowing that the place I buy fish from has a livestock guarantee.