green wolf eel acting strange - end of its life span?

[LisaD]

I have a green wolf eel blenny I've had for many years, probably about 6. It was good sized when I got it, but has grown some over the years, and is now about 12 inches.

For the last several days to a week or so it has been hiding in the rocks, labored breathing, and hasn't eaten. Normally, it hangs its head out of the rocks and has a very good appetite. Colors have brightened (death colors?)

It's been in the same tank for many years. Circulation is good - powerhead, power filter, skimmer. Lots of macro in the tank. No new tankmates or changed conditions. Water quality is fine, nitrates below 20, and the other fish are showing no signs of stress or illness. It isn't being harassed by the other fish, and has never had or made any problems in the past.

Is it just its time to die, after 6 years in captivity, or is there something I can do for it? It has been one of my favorite fish for a long time. Any suggestions would be great. I'll be doing a few large partial water changes today, just in case. Water changes might not help, but they sure won't hurt... I usually do this if there is a problem and I'm not sure what to do.

 

[FMarini]

Lisa--
6 yrs is pretty good for a dottyback, I suspect its time is drawing near. If it goes off feed and starts a different patten then something is amiss, and at this point your description tells me what your thinking as well.

I've had fish such as 5yr old adult male banggais and a few dwarf fuzzys that started "ADR"-aint doing right, and w/in a few days to week- perish.

Water changes can never hurt- so if you want to do them -great.
otherwise you've provided the best life this fish could have ever asked, food, no predation, and a huge human face peering in on a regular basis.

 

[LisaD]

Thanks, Frank. This fish has been really great, and has not shown the aggression that the species is known for. I hope this isn't the end, but suspect it is, since other fish are fine and nothing else is amiss. If it dies, I'll miss it a lot.

<a href="http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/ldarmo/?action=view&current=Fish01-17-09012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/ldarmo/Fish01-17-09012.jpg" border="0" alt="green wolf eel"></a>

BTW, hair algae is gone, but so are corals (used tank to QT a dogface puffer)

 

[Mentat]

Sorry Lisa, I recently lost an old fish with pet status and had a hard time just getting it out of tank. Immune system started shutting down and then health complications took him out. Hope yours just had indigestion and gets better.

 

[LisaD]

I hope so too, thanks Mentat. What kind did you lose? All of mine are pets - I pick them for personality, not looks.

 

[davelin315]

Have you tried some live food that may tempt it to eat?

 

[LisaD]

I have, thanks for the suggestion. It's got labored breathing, can't see the body to see if there is any infection or anything. No interest in food. I think it just may be it's time after 6 years...

 

[LukFox]

I'm sorry, Lisa. I don't have any suggestions at this point. Please let us know what happens.

 

[davelin315]

Here's a thought, albeit one that may only hasten death, but have you tried to increase the salinity a bit? It might make it easier for it to buoy itself and "lighten" the load. Heavier water eases the burden on many fish so it's possible that this could help. I would also aerate the water, though, as I believe but could easily be mistaken that saltier water holds less oxygen.

 

[LisaD]

Thanks! I have to work today, but if he is still hanging on, will try SOMETHING different this evening...

 

[davelin315]

Any updates?