Handfeeding a fish?

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by homebird

I think some cleaning of the tank is a good idea [+ have you used aquarium salt? I always used it & it was very helpful for keeping the skin in good health.]

I cleaned the tank and gravel thoroughly beginning of last week, and I always do use aquarium salt (for the same reasons you mentioned)

[Valo's Moirana]

Mr. Blue seems to be on his way to recovery, since he came out of hiding today in the morning. Unfortunately, it didn't last very long because his little chiclid buddy (I have 3 pairs, and they always fight among eath species) decided to chase him around.
So, I got a tank devider - hadn't time to set it up yet, but I'll seperate him from the rest until he gains some more strength. I guess the good news is that he's ready to eat

[homebird]

Great news - happy to hear it! Looks like all your pets are spoiled - dispite the stone [very strange accident = to a kid putting peas up their nose] they all look great.

[svolk]

Glad to hear that he's doing better!

[Valo's Moirana]

I got the devider and seperated Blue from the rest... he's hanging out in his portion of the tank, is much more active and he EATS. So, now we just have to keep going this route!!
Thanks you guys for all your help - seems like I'll be able to get him through!

[svolk]

Great job! Glad he's eating again!

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

I'm glad he's eating. Crystal

[Valo's Moirana]

just an update for all of you.... blue is still seperated from the rest, but HE IS HUNGRY !!! he goes after every pellet ending up in his portion of the tank, and chews on them. it's obvious that he still is in a little pain every time he eats, but it's getting better every day.

thanks again for all your help - can't tell you how greatful i am....

[homebird]

I'm very happy to hear he's doing so well. Nice job on your part - I don't know how you managed to get the stone out without hurting him - well done Mom!

[Lisa B]

I'm getting in late on this one....Glad he is doing better.
I have an Indonesian porcupine puffer fish that had a snail shell stuck to his "beak".
I noticed he was hiding alot, and when I got "Bob" to come out...there was a big ole shell hanging off his face. My husband said to leave it, and I did for about 2 days but It wasnt coming off without some help. I waited for my husband to go to work and I got the trusty fish net out. Reminding you all that this fish will blow up to the size of a baseball with spikes when scared or nervous. I chased him around the tank, and I tried to hit the shell off. It wouldnt come. I finally figured that he was tired, I was upset and that shell was coming off, or he was going to die. I captured him in the net, brought him near the surface, stuck my hand in and held him through the net, and pried off the shell with my nails. I do believe Bob knew I was helping him. He did not puff up and spike me as he very well could have.
He too didnt eat for a few more days, but then mom had to go to the grocery store to buy fresh scallops to cut up in minute pieces and feed him. Try buying one Scallop and having to explain to the manager why, beacuse it wont register on the scale for pricing!
Bob made it through the ordeal probably better then I did.