what on earth did I buy???

[FOBMcGyver]

Can someone tell me what the hell this is?
I thought I bought a feather duster.
I pointed at a feather duster, and of course as soon as she stuck the net in there to grab it, they all closed, so I'm not sure what she put in the bag. She put this, whatever it is... is it a feather duster? is it supposed to open up or is this all this is?
I'm confused..

 

[Amphiprion]

That is a "feather duster". The "feathers" are merely a modified feeding apparatus of a worm (which is the animal you are seeing now). When they lose the crown of feathers, it is generally a sign of stress. If conditions are ideal, they will grow back. Otherwise, it will die.

 

[FOBMcGyver]

here is another pic..

Thanks guys.
Any light shed on what on earth this is is greatly appreciated.

 

[FOBMcGyver]

you mean to tell me this guy had lost all his feathers before i bought him at the fish store before I bought him? I just bought him a few hours ago..

 

[Amphiprion]

Sounds like that is the case. If it were me, I would return the specimen and get my money back. Or you could to the latter and try to nurse the animal back to health. See what your LFS can do (out of experience, I know that a good store will let you do this).

 

[Gooli]

option# 1 - wait for it to grow new "feathers"

option# 2 - got back and replace it in the store with the one you wanted in the first place

 

[FOBMcGyver]

How long will it take for it to grow new feathers and how can I nurse it?
nitrite, ammonia are zero, nitrate is like 5-10. salinity is 1.023, PH is 8.2.
I just have a florsent bulb(19 watts). it's just a 20 gallon tank, but I have a lot of sunlight in my room. I also have a fair amount of water movement in the tank. Will it grow back under these conditions and how long will it take?
Mant thanks!

 

[Gooli]

i'd say it takes weeks\months for the feathers to grow back

 

[The Marmot]

It'll take quite a while for it to grow back. Just take it back to the store. The quicker you do it, the less of a hassle they'll give you.

 

[salty444]

flush it

 

[Swanwillow]

its still alive, no need to flush it!!!

I'm all for keeping it. sometimes things happen, ya know. and what if your LFS is a brat and doesn't let ya bring it back?

the feathers WILL grow back, its just a matter of time

 

[techigirl78]

Call the LFS and tell them and see what can be done. They should do something for you. I wouldn't want a stressed animal from the start. It is why most people like going to the LFS to see what they are getting. Just like someone wouldn't buy a fish with ich all over it.