Poor Little GGR

[FreshFish82]

So my buddy called me up today and said he had an issue with one of His German Gold Rams he had just got last week, and when I asked what the prob was I wish I never did. Some one in his tank had bitten one of his eyes out. :( I am not sure what his full stock list is all I know is that he has a 55g tall, he was asking me what to do and I couldnt help him. He does not have a computer so I told him to call the LFS we both go to. They told him there is nothing they can do for him which I thought was wrong but who am I to say how to run a business. So after doing some thinking I called him back and I now have rescued a 1 eye GGR. He has been in my tank for about 2 hours now and he seems to be doing ok he is swimming around and none of my fish seem to have a prob with him. I dont know much about the Ram species so any help would be appreciated, I am going to try to get some pics of him tonight while I am feeding. Should I get a medication or anything to prevent infection????

[Lupin]

There is nothing you can do once the eye is removed. Just do plenty of water changes and treat with Melafix to avoid fungal infection.

[Inka4040]

You will find that the fish functions just fine after his wound heals up. One eyed fish can often do extremely well if their other needs are met, and once he's all better, there probably won't even be a need to segregate him from your tank's general population.

IMO, it's not really your LFS's problem if one of your friend's fish bit out the gold ram's eye. They certainly didn't put the fish in that position, and I'm not even sure what you could expect them to do (replace it?). You should encourage your friend to do a bit more compatibility research before stocking his tank next time.

[FreshFish82]

THe other one in his tank is perfectly ok and has not even a nip on any of its fins. Though I am trying to get him to let me have It b4 something else happens. I also found out his stocking list. ALL MBUNAS :( soon as he told me that I got mad. I mean why would a person knowing you have highly aggressive fish put a more docile species in with them. Sense it has been in my tank now all night should I leave him in there or should I quarenteen him for a while? If I leave him in there will the Melafix affect any of the fish I have now? Kissing gouramis, Paradise Gouramis, Pot Belly Mollie, 2 clown Loaches, and a CAE. Thanks for the help

[Lupin]

It is now in your main tank. Leave it there. Moving it around will simply put a toll on its health. Melafix should be fine with your stocks provided you do not overdose. Some loaches lack tolerance for overdosage even from natural medicines. Watch your CAE, kissing gouramis and paradise closely. They may try to harass him. You'll be lucky if they don't.

Good luck.

[Coler]

^ Exactly. (and of course you are right, rams have no chance with Mbuna).

Keep the water absolutely pristine is the best thing to do for him - if you can maintain nitrates at 10 or less, water changing as necessary to do so he has a great chance. Melafix will help avoid an infection, which, now the immediate trauma has resolved, is the main worry.

[FreshFish82]

Ok so I went out this morning and got the Melafix and did a w/c and started to dose. He did eat breakfast so I was happy about that. and last night after lights out he was all over the tank. I have a red l.e.d light at night so I can see my fish at night time. I have been glued to the tank sense I put him in there and so far so good no one has messed with him yet. the first hour he was in there yesterday the CAE was chasing him around but after that nothing. I hope it stays that way cause he is such a beautiful fish. I was able to get some pics of him today. and thank you every one for the help. In the last two pics you can see the eye that is gone :(

[FreshFish82]

tough little guy to get pics of

[Lupin]

Nice fish.:)

[FreshFish82]

Thanks, I am totaly in love with him. I am deff going to be getting a couple for my 75gal when its here and setteled in. :)

[baggage]

were you able to get the other ggr from your freind ?

[derekp]

I have an angel with a left eye gone just like your ggr. I think his eye caught an infection and then he lost it. Whats actually kind of funny about it is he is always facing the front of the tank, and he stays on the very left side of my 55 gallon. It is like he cant see the rest of the tank and forgets that there is more to it, so he just stays isolated on the left side of the tank swimming against the glass. lol

[FreshFish82]

No, I was not able to get the other one b4 his stock got to it. :( At least one has a good home now and he seems to be doing great has a big appatite and is very active.
THe only issue is him running into the glass when he gets going he seems to bump the glass and turn and go in the other direction I feel bad, but it doesnt seem to affect him its like oops ok lets go the other way now. :) HOw long have you had your Angle with the one eye?

[OhioOilMan]

Usually most fish, If healthy, can make a full recovery from a major eye injury. I had a blue gourami that suffered the same type of injury and with a little tlc in the hospital tank for a few weeks he was healed up enough to go back in the 125 gal and is still living today! Its kinda funny because my wife named him "One Eyed Willie" !!

[Sarge_857]

tough little guy to get pics of

heck yea, my dempsey is notorious for moving like lightning when i grab a camera. that and that ggr is lucky, those mbuna are mean little guys!

:angryfire::angryfire::angryfire:

[FreshFish82]

Yea they are especially when Rams would be such easy prey for them Thats why His name is "LUCKY" well he is doing great the wound seems to be healing a little. I have kept the water prestine as possible for him and no one in my tank pays him two minds so I think he will be just fine. The Guy I got him from hopefully learned a lesson and will do more research on his fish b4 purchasing any more!!!