Trouble.

Angelfish

Angelfish

Superstar Fish
#1
Apr 14, 2003
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Valencia, California.
#1
There was a problem with my plants that caused me to have my net in the tank (... dont ask). Anyway once I was done I removed the net without realizing my sailfin molly was caught inside (I looked, just with other stuff in the net I didnt see the fish). Once I realized he was there I ran to put him back in the tank, only he was caught in the net, I had to pull him out with my hand. When he finnaly got free in the tank he went in a vertical position and started spazzing out, then went on his side. I paniked and tried to recatch him to put him in the isolation unit (I dont know why I thought this would help, I was paniking) anyway I think it made him worse after trying to catch him. In the end I left him alone. Hes still in the vertical position. Do you think he will be okay? I hate to say this, but should I somehow put him out of his misery?
 

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prhelp

Large Fish
#2
Apr 26, 2003
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#2
Is your isolation unit in the tank itself, or is it a separate hospital tank? If it is separate, i would try netting the fish and let it be for a day or two in the hospital tank with some salt and see if it gets better. However, note that I haven't owned mollies before, etc., and so I don't speak with actual experience but just what I've read here and elsewhere. Good luck! Let us know!
 

Angelfish

Angelfish

Superstar Fish
#5
Apr 14, 2003
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Valencia, California.
#5
I feel so bad, I hate to see him suffering because of me. The other fish are all stired up too due to all the comotion. Icebath? Is this a putting out of misery method? I really hope it doesnt come to that - he is still vertical right now.
 

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prhelp

Large Fish
#7
Apr 26, 2003
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#7
Yes, if I recall, I think catfish advocates the ice-bath method of euthanizing fish. I'd put it in ice-water, seal it, and put it in the freezer. It will be completely painless. Don't feel too guilty -- it was a total accident. It is not like you were being wreckless. You obviously care about your fish (500 plus posts). It's a total bummer to lose fish, esp. when you think it is due to something you did wrong -- but don't kill yourself over it. Good luck. :|
 

Angelfish

Angelfish

Superstar Fish
#9
Apr 14, 2003
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Valencia, California.
#9
Thankyou for the encouraging words prhelp, you made me stop paniking for the first time all night. I hope I dont have to put him in the freezer, but if its painless at this rate it will be the best thing for him as he is still in the vertical-side position and is breathing really fast. I feel totally guilty even though it was an accident I should have been more careful and stoped to think before acting. Well I learned a good lesson from this one. <looking worse by the minuet>. I hope he recovers well.
 

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prhelp

Large Fish
#11
Apr 26, 2003
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San Francisco Bay Area
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#11
Well, just keep us posted -- we all know that it feels better, even in a small way, to rant, rave, worry (and mourn) here at MFT, because we all can relate. And you're right about the lesson learned -- it might not be a lot of consolation right now, but I guarantee you, you'll never make that same mistake again -- and you'll always tell people to be careful not to make it.

And that alone will save dozens and dozens of fish, if you keep sharing your knowledge the way you always do.
 

catfishmike

catfishmike

Superstar Fish
#12
Oct 22, 2002
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Sin City, again...
#12
ice bath was my was of saying to euthanising you fish.if you do,just use the water from the tank and stick the fish in the freezer ad let the temprature come down.don't actualy use ice that will shock the fish and stress more than needed.espeicaly in this case
 

Angelfish

Angelfish

Superstar Fish
#15
Apr 14, 2003
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Valencia, California.
#15
Well I'm still here two hours later after watching the tank. He seems to be getting a little better, still gasping at the top and appearing as though a fin may be damaged, but he is the right way up, which is a nice improvment.
 

Velvet AciD

Velvet AciD

Large Fish
#17
Jun 28, 2003
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Scottsdale, Arizona
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#17
I'm thinking, if he was out of the water and tangled in your net, wouldn't something happen to thier brain?

Something like being trapped underwater and you have a sort of brain malfunction? Just an idea I'd thought I'd throw out there.

I've also had a Mollie that acted like yours, only she was preggie when the situation happened. It resulted in the vertical position you described and she couldn't stay upright but she was never left out in the air as long...

I had to put her out after she had her babies. It seemedl ike there was no other way to fix it.
 

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wayne

Elite Fish
#18
Oct 22, 2002
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#18
I think he'll be ok. He probably isn't too happy , but I've done what you've done and it isn't fatal. If you want to help him out, turn off the tank light for a day so he feels more secure.
I don't particularly like the icy water euthanasia by itself, I always throw in a load of vodka as well. Clove oil is the best I hear - very fast, painless
 

Angelfish

Angelfish

Superstar Fish
#19
Apr 14, 2003
1,362
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Valencia, California.
#19
GOOD NEWS! Although he is yet to start acting normal, there is a big improvement, right way up and swimming a little, he even ate this morning, it wasnt a lot, but something. I think hes gonna be okay =)

EDIT: A big thankyou to all who responded to this thread, it really helped me out :)
 

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