Mysterious fish deaths

[hvacman250]

Well, the mystery really isn't in the death, jus the symptom.

I TT every fish. Also 3x PraziPro, 4 weeks in CP at 80 mg/gallon, and Formalin baths between TT. I will accept some fish deaths, but Ive had 3 occurances that were weird.

Fish die out of nowhere with their jaw locked open, like they were frightened!

First was a Lyretail Anthias DOA from LA. Second was this morning during TT on a Carberryi Anthias. Later day a Orchestriped Cardinal.

I can assure you everything was done to perfection with TT on the Carberryi. Within 10 minutes he was dead with jaw locked open. He had been alive one month of CP and 1x Prazi (from LA DD) in a 20H with 2 others.

The Cardinal had been thru TT, 3 weeks of CP, Formalin, and 2x Prazi. He would have gone to display in 1 week if still healthy. He was with 5 other fish in a 55 gallon QT.

Ive been keeping SW fish for 16 years, and have never seen a fish die with the "scared" look on its face. Anybody have an explanation?

 

[thenewguy997]

I had a fish die recently who once showed sick symptoms always had his mouth slightly open never fully closed, still unsure why he died but i know it was a gill illness

 

[HumbleFish]

Are you giving formalin baths before each & every transfer? Seems a bit extreme IMO, and something not all fish may be able to handle. Also, treating with CP @ 80 mg/gal is twice the recommended dosage for prophylactic treatment, and may be causing problems. Maybe not right away and to all fish... there may be a delayed reaction that certain fish eventually succumb to. While others survive or seem unaffected.

Obviously, these are just theories. I don't believe any studies have been done on formalin & CP, and their long-term (or even short-term) health effects on fish. However, one thing I am certain of is all medications & carcinogens are going to have at least some side effects.

 

[scuzy]

Why would you need to do tank transfer if your are using cp?
All these meds got to have some kind of reaction to each other. Most only do cp and prazi. Or prazi and copper why mix with formalin and other meds too? I think it's over extreme.

 

[HumbleFish]

Another theory: oxygen deprivation. Again, maybe a delayed reaction from it.

Both Prazi and especially formalin deplete the water of O2. Was the water aerated during the formalin baths?

 

[ca1ore]

Most of the anthias I have had die, ended with that extended mouth. Maybe just the way they go? Cannot speak for cardinals as I've never had one die.

 

[hvacman250]

Are you giving formalin baths before each & every transfer? Seems a bit extreme IMO, and something not all fish may be able to handle. Also, treating with CP @ 80 mg/gal is twice the recommended dosage for prophylactic treatment, and may be causing problems. Maybe not right away and to all fish... there may be a delayed reaction that certain fish eventually succumb to. While others survive or seem unaffected.


Obviously, these are just theories. I don't believe any studies have been done on formalin & CP, and their long-term (or even short-term) health effects on fish. However, one thing I am certain of is all medications & carcinogens are going to have at least some side effects.

Yep, fish get a formalin bath with strong aeration for 30 minutes between each transfer. Ive been doing it this way for years.

Why would you need to do tank transfer if your are using cp?
All these meds got to have some kind of reaction to each other. Most only do cp and prazi. Or prazi and copper why mix with formalin and other meds too? I think it's over extreme.

To my knowledge, CP hasn't been proven to cure Ich. And I don't mix medications. Only one chemical is in the water at any given time.

Another theory: oxygen deprivation. Again, maybe a delayed reaction from it.

Both Prazi and especially formalin deplete the water of O2. Was the water aerated during the formalin baths?

Always. Every QT tank I have is aerated. The Formalin baths have 2 airstones at full blast.

Most of the anthias I have had die, ended with that extended mouth. Maybe just the way they go? Cannot speak for cardinals as I've never had one die.

And maybe that's the answer. I did lose 2 Pajama Cardinals months ago, but they did not display that mouth open posture.