Skinny fish

bellebelle

bellebelle

Member
I was at the lfs today where they have a 6 inch hippo tang. The fish is very very skinny and I can tell that he has ick, the other fish in the tank were scratching themselves. He had raised areas on his body. I felt sorry for him so I asked how much he was. The guy that works there told me $49 but they nobody wanted him because he was skinny. He said they haven't " thrown him out yet because they want to give him a chance". Well, should I save the fish or do ya even think he can be saved. The guy working there said " he eats but then he goes and lays on the bottom" He also said "the owner would probably give ya a good deal". My thought is FREE. I have an empty qt ready. I feel bad for this fish to get to be 6 inchs and then nobody cares. Just wondering if I could even save him. Please let me what ya'll think.
 
beth

beth

Administrator
Staff member
You can save him, and we will be with you to help you.
Take a look at the info on hyposalinity in the FAQ Thread at the top of this forum, so that you know what you need to do to treat the ich. While at the LFS, stock up on algae sheets and a variety of frozen foods.
Do you have a refractometer or a quality glass hydrometer? What is the size of your display?
 
new2us

new2us

Member
I can sympathize with you - it is soooo hard to go into a store and see a sick fish, knowing that the workers there probably do not care enough (or know enough) to be able to save him.
Since you have a quarantine tank, you could take him home and try to save him. You said the QT was empty, but does it have a rock or something in there for him to hide around for awhile until he gets better?? With that and Beth's help, you may be the answer to his little fishy prayers. If it works, he will most likely become your favorite! The best of luck to you if you decide to get him.
 
bellebelle

bellebelle

Member
Yes, my qt has pvc pipe in it for fish to hide in. I have already done the hypo. I have had to hypo my other fish because of ick before. It's a aquapod 24g. I know he is a big fish but it is honestly bigger then the display that he is in at the store. I feed frozen mysis and flake food. Have a ton of alage sheets for my foxface. I also have the marine cusine food too. I soak their food in garlic and selcon. I try to alternate what I feed.
 
new2us

new2us

Member
Sounds like almost anything is an improvement over his current conditions! I hope you can get him tomorrow and that you'll keep us posted on his progress.
 
bellebelle

bellebelle

Member
I left my name and number at the store so the owner could call about that "good deal" ha ha . I will post some pictures. I just hope he lives though acclimation he looked bad
 
bellebelle

bellebelle

Member
my qt is a 24gallon. I have a 75g and a 210g that if I get it and it lives it will be living in the 210. My husband and I are building a house ( at the framing stage now) I have already have everything for the 210 so the contents of my 75g will go into the 210 and he will get the 75 for a fowlr.
 
lion_crazz

lion_crazz

Active Member
Good for you for wanting to help a fish in need. I am sure you can save it with the proper care. We will provide any assistance that you may need.
While this fish is recovering, I would begin using vitamin C and natural garlic in its food to help it heal faster. Both of those things being used in the fish's food will greatly help him heal.
 
lion_crazz

lion_crazz

Active Member
No, Kent Marine makes a liquid product called Marine C that is an excellent food additive. The Selcon that you are using is also very good.
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
I am glad you are trying to help this fish. Do you have a refractometer for hypo? Add the vitamines that lion_crazz mentioned to his food if you do get him. We are all here for any questions that you may have
 
bellebelle

bellebelle

Member
Update: I am very sad to say that I went to the lfs to buy the fish. I had made up my mind I was going to pay full price just to help the fish. Well...it had died that morning they told me. I don't like this fish store at all. I only go in there to buy frozen fish. I think I may start going in there freq. to see if the owner is making this a habit, maybe I will catch it quicker next time and save a fish from certain death with this store.
 
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