Help!! Injured ADF!

[UWShorty85]

I don't know how, but one of my ADF's has been injured fairly badly today. I came back from class and my roommate mentioned that one of my frogs didn't look okay, and I nearly cried when I saw this little girl. I'm not sure what happened, I haven't had problems with my Silver Hatchet tetras, my platy, snail, rubber lipped pleco or my betta attacking anything before. I have a freshwater fiddler crab in there somewhere too that is a new addition, that is currently MIA. If I find it, it's going to be KIA since I'm assuming this was the female crab's doing. I did catch it grabbing a frog once before. Anyways, I've got this little girl in a small tupperware with shallow water so she can get air easier, and am treating with melafix. Does anybody have any other suggestions? I'm assuming adding Bactine to the water would be bad news all around. The picture of what has happened to her is at http://students.washington.edu/mdruddy/IMG_1267.jpg . Will she even make it, or is she a goner?

[Jericho]

Wow she took a beating. I would not add bactine to the water that would be bad.

[Leopardess]

This is why crabs are a HUGE no no with many fish - especially with defenseless bottom dwellers like ADFs. I hate to sound mean when you need help, but you must do your research before buying things!! This situation could have been avoided - esp. after you saw it attacking a frog before.

That said, she looks absolutely pitiful and must be in pain. I can't tell from just the picture if she will make it but it looks awful. If you think she is injured too badly, I would euthanise her. If she acts like she could pull through and you decide that's the route you want to take, this is what you should do:

The tupperware container you have her in is likely too small. Aim for something around a gallon or so. The water level should be lower to help her, but you don't want the water amount so small that it fouls quickly.

Keep the water very clean. You don't want infection to set in. You must be absolutely diligent about water quality.

Get some antibiotics. Go out and get some Maracyn Plus and follow the dosing instructions very carefully since you'll be treating such a small volume of water.

Keep her container the right temperature. Don't let her get too cold. Battling temps means less energy spent healing.

[UWShorty85]

nevermind, she died in the last hour. i was promised by the store that specializes in fish that the crab would be okay, but i guess they were wrong. i'm going to get rid of it if i can find it.

[RUSH2112]

Sorry about your ADF. This is just another sad incident of a pet store telling wrong info to make a sale. Don't blame the crab he's just doing what crabs do. When we go buy something on impulse because it is cute or cool and don't do our research this kind of stuff happens. Don't beat yourself up I am sure everyone has done this type of thing including myself.