Well...She's passed away

[dingus890]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to write this post so soon. this morning dreading to walk over to the seahorse tank.I build up the courage only to see my baby girl dead next to her favorite hitching spot.

I am so sad and feel I did everything for this horse.She was fine 2 days ago.Eating playing.She went downhill so fast it was scary!
I had her for a little over a month.She was such a joy to watch.I watched her for hours sometimes.The other day when I was working in the tank she hitched to my pinky.
Just bought $40.00 worth of frozen mysis for her that ironically arrived today

I am not sure If I will get another horse.
I can't even take her body out of the tank it makes me too sad.
My family wants to dry the body out and keep it but that makes me uncomfortable and not sure how to do it.
Thank you again to everyone that has helped me with all my questions and worries.You all are awesome!

 

[dingus890]

Just took her out of the tank.Seahorses are the hardest fish to lose.

I put her body in a little box that I will bury.I don't want to dry her out.
She died with her mouth and that little bone that comes out when they snick,sticking out which I thought was weird.
Very sad not seeing her dance and change color when I come near the tank.
What amazing creatures God gives us!

 

[teresaq]

I am so sorry, I know what its like, having lost three.
What species was she?? That might help determine what happened.
ok, I just went back and reread that she was a kellogi, if so, these have been the hardest horses to keep. Everyone I have heard of have not had luck keeping them.
T

 

[dingus890]

Thanks Teresa.She was a TR Kelloggi which I beleive which in part was the problem. I am happy I had her for as long as I did since I heard so many sad Kelloggi stories of them dieing just days after putting them in the tank.
I miss my horse.I want more horses but think I am going to take a break.I am worried to introduce another horse or horses in the tank as there may be a disease from the Kelloggi still in there.

 

[teresaq]

Yes, I wouldnt add any more for a while, or completly tearing down the tank and cleaning it.

 

[dingus890]

Well I have 3 other fish in the tank so tearing it down is not an option.
I don't think I want any more horses.Plus if I did try horses again I would want to get a big tank like 50 gallons and have a few pairs.

 

[teresaq]

There ya go. New project. I know its taken me almost two yrs to finally want to get another pair. I have since switched tanks and have a 54 gal corner tank. I am hoping to have hubby talked into them after the first of the yr.
T

 

[jeanheckle]

So sorry for your loss. It's amazing how such a small creature can attach to our hearts. You will get a new one when you are ready.

 

[novahobbies]

I'm so sorry for your loss!!

I'm glad you didn't let the family dry her out.....it's like freeze-drying the family cat! Why people do this is beyond me. I hope this doesn't stop you alltogether. Your project of a 50-something tank with 4 or so horses sounds great! Just need to wait a while before trying again, just to clear your head.
speaking of clearing heads, it's time for me to go pop some

[hr]
. Friggin' head cold....

 

[dingus890]

Thanks Nova and Jean.
Yeah the 50 gallon project wont happen (if it ever does) for quite awile.
I miss my horse

 

[rykna]

I'm so sorry

We're all here for you.
~Rykna

 

[dingus890]

Thank you Rykna

 

[sueandherzoo]

Oh, d*mn, I am SO SORRY. I was anxiously following the thread and was kinda avoiding it today because I was afraid of what I might see. It seems when something hits the horses, death happens FAST. You did everything you could - please don't beat yourself up.
The timing is uncanny..... there is one seahorse at the LFS I go to almost every day and he/she is the thing that made me fall in love with horses. I've been "visiting" it several times a week and just stand and stare and the LFS guy says he's had it for about 6 months so I assumed he was doing everything right. I went in to "visit" Friday night and found her dead. I went over to the manager and made him take it out right then and there so I could examine her body up close. What a beautiful creature ...... it was so sad. I don't even have any of my own yet but am already nervous about how fragile they are and how attached I will get.
So sorry.....
Sue

 

[dingus890]

Thank you Sue.
She went downhill so fast it shocked me.They are delicate little creatures.,but oh so wonderful!

I am glad I video taped her for about 9 minutes the day after I got her as something to remember my first horse.
Man I feel such a loss.After all the water changes every week and the many feedings a day.I kept thinking to myself all day "I gotta go feed the seahorse".
I put her in a little box and buried her in our garden.My friend gave me some flower bulbs to plant with her so next spring flowers will come up where she is..I know this all sounds corny but losing a seahorse really is nothing like losing another kind of fish,coral or shrimp.I think due to you really bond with them as they come to recognize and see you as someone that is safe.And when they start coming over to you and dance to try to get your attention when they want there food...lol