mandarin fish didn't last 24 hours

[Betta132]

I don't think she's going to make it. Euthanasia is probably a good plan, before the tail rot gets any further. If it's that fast, it's going to start moving up her tail, and she's going to be in a lot of pain.
Can you get some clove oil? Maybe from a natural grocer? That's a good method. Put her in a smallish container of water in a dimly lit area to help keep her calm. Add a couple of drops of clove oil to a cup of water, shake it hard to mix them, and slowly add the clove oil mixture to her container. Keep doing that every 5-10 minutes until she stops breathing, then add a bunch more clove oil and just leave her for a while. Painless, gentle death. The worst that could happen with this method is the fish will notice the clove oil being added and get a bit scared, but in her state she'll probably pass out before she notices.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

Thank you for the advice.
If that is as effective as that, I would think that would be a better way to go than suffering slowly like she most likely is.

Her breathing seems to be getting slightly more labored.

This sucks so bad. Still can't believe I let this happen.

I'm going to go look for some clove oil now.

 

[Code4]

Lucky you did not cause this. You are very caring. I sometimes use a First aid tank inside mine to get fish used to each other. And my current mandarin is in it healing nicely. I hatch alot of baby brine shrimp to feed her each day. I unplug the circulating pump so they do not get flushed into the main tank while she eats. There is also a live rock for her. Maybe this would work for your next one. Without the rock so the puffer will see her better.

So sorry for your and your wife's loss.

Shelley

 

[Lucky Lefty]

Thanks Shelley.
I'm going to try and take some more precautions if/when there is a next time.
I do not want to subject another fish to what happened to the mandarin.. although it may be inevitable. I don't know.
If I do try again with another mandarin, I suppose I'll build a small box to hang in the tank, and use that for the first few days so the puffer can get used to him being in the tank, and not taste test it.

...sigh

 

[Betta132]

The puffer might still take a bite, if it's the pale form you're concerned about. It doesn't matter if you put food in an acclimation box, it's still going to be eaten, and a pale mandy looks like food.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

Well... R.I.P. Mandi
Just came downstairs and she was tumbling around the sand bed.
She received a proper burial in the backyard.. fish or not, I don't like the thought of flushing a pet down the toilet.
I'm thinking the same about the puffer.. as much as I love the mandarin, I think it might not work, unless the mandarin hides in a cave all night.. and why chance that with another fish's life.
What to do, what to do.

 

[snorvich]

Doing the same thing multiple times and expecting a different result . . .

 

[Lucky Lefty]

...is the definition of genius, right!?

 

[Code4]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like a new tank might be needed with more peaceful tank mates. At least that is my reason for two tanks! One to house larger fish and one for my favorite, more picky eaters. I am no Paul b and all the other do it yourselfers. Unless it is for my outside living space. So I bought a First Aid multipurpose acclamation device by CPR Aquatic, Inc. It is helping with the little mandarin. So worth the money I spent over a year ago on it. I put a spotted mandarin in the DT at the same time. She is fat and the angel does not bother her. She never bothered my old guy either.

A second tank, what a great investment. Do not tell the wife I suggested it.

Hope the remainder of your weekend goes better.

Shelley

 

[Code4]

And to be honest mine never hide regularly. Not where I would feel safe for them. Even my little Ruby red one hangs out in the sand sleeping. He is in a different tank than the others.

Shelley