My oto's dieing I think, need your help asap

My oto is being carried around by the current a lot and not swimming but still alive. Only signs of outer disease or something is bright red spot on his underbelly like he's bleeding. I can't get up to the lfs tonight and I don't think he'l make the night, what should I do if there's anything I can.

thanks

atm

 

Oh, Austin I am so sorry but I am afraid that your little guy may not make it. Redness or streaks on their bellies indicate infection and if it is bright red, it is probably bad. Unless you can get some medication for him and get him started on it right away I am afraid he is not going to make it and he may not even then. He has obviously had some rough treatment and is not doing well...is he one of the newer ones? and how long have you had him? Otos are sometimes starved because no one will feed them the type of food that they need at the petstores and if they have been starved for too long the bacteria that resides in their stomach to digest their food will die and when that happens there is no hope. The bacteria cannot be replaced and they cannot digest the food that they eat and will starve to death even if you fed them a whole can of food. They can eat it but their bodies cannot use it....it is very sad.



Rose

 

Yes they were being fed algae wafers where I bought him last week, he did not make it. Should I treat it with maracyn 1 and 2 or do you think I'll be ok doing a large water change. I don't have a lot of money right now because I can't ref but if I must treat it I'll buy some?

thanks

 

A LARGE water change should do it as I do not think they are contagious but you should always do a big water change after a death.

I am sorry to hear about your fish, Austin.

Rose

 

Yes I just did a water change yesterday and I'm doing 25% water changes for a couple days, just to be sure. My mom said she would buy me some more, I reeaallyyy want cories but I don'thave sand and I don't want to torture them >

 

Corys prefer but don't have to have sand. I've had mine in a tank with gravel for years with no problems.