If it's not one thing, it's another

[tahoetanks]

My black cucumber is biffing it-I think. Today it is purging all of its guts everywhere. Poor little fella. I have had him for 6 months. Rumor has it that the gut explosion is toxic to fish. So I pulled him out and put him in my hospital tank. Just to be on the safe side.
While I was getting him out of the tank, I finally noticed that I now have copepods all over the back wall of the tank. I never clean that side and let the algae have it. The funny thing is, I just ordered a bottle of em. Ha. Timing really is everything. Lose one thing, gain a few hundred others

 

[tx reef]

It is good that you have a hospital tank....not many have one set up.

 

[tahoetanks]

There have been many times when I have almost convinced myself to do away with it. But then there are days like today that I am glad I kept it.

 

[ophiura]

What are your thoughts on why the cucumber is in trouble? Is this a sand sifter, or filter feeder? Any recent water changes, or aggressive fish?
Evisceration is a defensive measure in many cases...so they can recover from it. But obviously if something else may be going on, the odds may not be good.

 

[tahoetanks]

My FoxFace is very territorial and I think the cucumber got too close to the veggie clip. The cucumber is a sand guy, but hasn't been in it very much lately. Nothing has changed in my tank since I got him 6 mos ago. Did a 10% water change about 6 days ago. Nothing new added to tank in months. Today, he is still alive, but it looks like intestine hanging from him. I'm guessing his odds aren't good. What I read said that in tanks they rarely make a comeback after this. The foxface is a terror! My money is on him. I haven't seen him pestering the cucumber, but who knows. I guess its time to hurry up and wait. Just REALLY glad I kept the hosp. tank.