Fish Emergency...Help!

[jacksmom]

Sorry to barge in on this board without the usual niceties but I have a possible life and death problem. I just walked into the room where my fish tank is and found my pleicostamus on the floor. I don't know how long he was out or if he jumped out or the cat got him out. He is still alive and moving somewhat, obviously I put him right back in the tank. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help him make it through this trauma. He is attached to the side, but seems to be breathing rapidly. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[NGerdes]

What kind of a pleco is it? I'm no expert, but most plecos are fairly hardy and would survive something like this. If there are no visible marks or wounds (like say from a cat) you probably won't have to worry about parasites or infections or anything like that, so I wouldn't add any type of medications. Most likely the breathing is just trauma from being out of the water. The only thing that you might be able to do is add some type of slime coat additive to the water, as being out of the water for some time may have worn on his. If there is cuts or anything, wait for someone a lot more experienced than me, and there are plenty of them on this board, trust me.

[snakeskinner]

turn any lights off, they don't like light. this should make him a little more comfortable. I had this happen when I was a kid. If your tank isn't covered well, cover it. Many types of fish will jump out for one reason or another. I'm not really sure what possesses a fish to do this, maybe some more experienced biologists can tell us but for now, I'd just cover the tank and turn out all the lights and just let him be. Kyle

[jacksmom]

Thanks for the advice. He is still alive and his breathing seems to have slowed down some, I am not sure if he is injured or just stressed, his fins are not quite right. But I am sure he flopped around for quite awhile so he probably did some damage to himself. He was pretty still when I found him, the flopping stage was over, he didn't even resist when I netted him to get him back in.
I wasn't aware there were more than one kind of pleico, this guy is kind of brown and white speckled, if that helps.

[OrionGirl]

I agree--monitor for infection, make sure the water is clean, and don't be surpriced if he sheds his slime coat. Common pleco's are shipped wrapped in wet newspaper, so he's likely going to survive, you just don't want an infection to crop up.

Welcome aboard!

[jacksmom]

Well, Godzilla (as I have officially named him since he is so huge and reptilian) is still alive this morning. Should I treat him with antibiotics prophylactically? I am sure he did some damage to himself flopping around. What would I give him? I am going to get stress coat this morning. How do I know if he sheds his slime coat, will I see it? Thanks for all the advice.

[JSchmidt]

I wouldn't give any antibiotics or other preparations. Those can often be extremely stressful for the fish.

I'd leave him be. Catfish are tough, and if he's still breathing that's a good sign.

Got my fingers crossed for him!

Jim

P.S. Plecos can really jump when spooked or chased -- if you've ever tried netting one, you know that! A closely fitting lid is a must for tanks with a pleco in it.

[jacksmom]

Ok, so I won't give him any kind of antibiotic. Any ideas on how to fill the holes? Here is a pic of him by the way, there is a hot wheel car propped up next to him for reference.
http://imageevent.com/picturesfrommary/aquarium;jsessionid=kibb80s6y2.monkey_s?p=0&n=1&m=24&c=4&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=2

[JSchmidt]

Originally posted by jacksmom
Any ideas on how to fill the holes?

Not exactly sure what you mean... does he have punctures?

Jim

[OrionGirl]

I think jacksmom wanted advice on filling to gaps in the cover. I've used nylon, with a metal frame made from a clothes hanger to the dimensions of the hole. Egg crate works as well.

[jacksmom]

That is too funny JSchmidt, you thought I was talking about the holes in the fish? I guess I was being flighty with my sentences, sorry. I would just use some spackling compound if he had holes in him ( just kidding) . No, I was talking about the holes in the top of the aquarium. Thanks

[JSchmidt]

Hee hee, that is pretty funny. I was thinking about your remark about "the cat got him out" and I was wondering if kitty had chomped on him.

Nylon hose, pieces of window screen, etc. will work.

Jim

[jacksmom]

Well, my pleico is still alive and swimming, seems to be a little pale and has some tiny red ball looking things on various areas of his body, especially on his fins, would these be blood clots from his injury? And would the paleness be shedding of his slime coat? What does a slime coat look like, anyway?

[OrionGirl]

The red balls are probably from small abrasions. Watch them to make sure they don't become infected. The slime coat will look like cloudy, super thin, plastic wrap. Other fish will eat it if it floats off.

The paleness is liekly still due from stress, and the fish should return to it's normal color in a few days.

[jacksmom]

How will I know if they are infected?

[OrionGirl]

If they don't heal up--at least show signs of improvement, within 4-5 days, or if the areas swell, or if you see a white, cottony growth on them.

[travelinman1969]

I would venture to say if he made it this long he will be okay. When plecos go they go. They don't wait and suffer much. Just for reference, I have a 17 inch that goes to the top about 4 times per hour to get a gulp of air. If it wasn't for the tank top he would hit the floor. He hits the top so hard it sometimes comes up about 1 inch and it's a 1/2 inch glass top. He hits it so hard sometimes I think he's gonna knock himself out. :p Keep up the TLC and he should be fine. Good Luck.