Large Pacu with gravel stuck in nose.

[FishGuy72]

One of my large Pacu has got a piece of gravel stuck up one of his nose holes. He got it when "digging" for the wafers that I put in for the catfish.
He looks OK right now, but should I try to take it out... if so how? He is big and could probably take my finger off if I do this wrong.
Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Sumpin'fishy]

Wow.....interesting situation!

I'm no expert, but I guess I'd give it a day to see if he can work it out himself. If it's still there tomorrow, I'd consult a vet if possible. If you CAN'T get a vet's suggestion, then use a huge net and pull the fish out of the water, then remove it with tweezers while holding him on his side. He should be fine for about 2 minutes without water. Get some help if possible, and don't worry about man-handling it a bit...that's a HUGE fish, and they are quite rugged. Just make sure you place him on a wet (damp) surface, or in a large tub of some type (bathtub is fine) with an inch or two of water. Make sure your hands are wet if you are handling him too. Plan to get wet!

I'd rather be a bit rough and do it quickly than be overly cautious with handling it and end up dropping him when he shakes back and forth (and I'm sure he will). Grab him firmly and do things quickly and decisively. Get it over with as quickly as possible and get him back in the tank! If it does take more than 2 minutes. Try adding more water (all water needs to be de-chlorinated) from a 5 gallon bucket, or get him back in the tank if you absolutely have to! He will probably go through periods of powerful spasms (shaking) and laying still, just time it and do the best you can.

Like I say, consult a vet for a more educated opinion, if you can!
Best wishes!

 

[ROLLIN]

Originally posted by Sumpin'fishy
Just make sure you place him on a wet (damp) surface, or in a large tub of some type (bathtub is fine) with an inch or two of water.

I wouldnt put him in the bathtub, there is most likely shampoo/conditioner/soap residue in there.

 

[Rare Cichlids]

What are you calling large? Is the fish a 20"+ adult? You'll probably need to buy a sport fishing net to catch him.

 

[Dragon_Lord_Tia]

why not do waht fish farmers to to get eggs out of trout sedate it with clive oil in a large container then he can be lifted out with ease


or


get a garden hose start a syphon and when he comes close try to suck i out of him quick and easy

 

[Cearbhaill]

Exactly.
Look over on the Koi Vet website for directions. You make a bucket with an anesthetizing solution and a bucket with fresh water to have ready to revive the fish. They do all sorts of fish surgery- one of the most common is retrieving stuff lodged in fishie mouths. A nose can't be that much more difficult except for the tweezer size.
Clove oil can be purchased at many health food stores.

 

[FishGuy72]

Thank you... problem solved itself.

Thank you all for your suggestions... when I finally got up the courage to try this, I found that the rock is gone.
I'm hoping it came out, I suppose there is a chance it went in farther where I can't see it.
Again thank you all for your help!