Dead Fish

[Orodreth]

I found one of my Platys floating dead on the surface today. He seemed completely fine the last time I saw him and I've had him for about two months. This doesn't overly worry me (sad though) because I know these things happen. What worried me was that he had been severely savaged, skin was ripped off, bones were sticking out and his tail was an utter mess. I actually immediately assumed this was done by the many fish after he had died and they were hungry and I just wanted to check that you agree with this? If not then a 'whodunnit' begins but the fact is I don't think anyone in there would have - Platys, Tetras, Danios, Kuhlis and a BN.

So, just, do you think the injuries would have been sustained after death?

Thanks.

 

[cane76]

id say the fish started eating it once it died
have you tested your water quality for possible reason for death?

 

[Orodreth]

Just tested the water:

Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrite - 0ppm
Nitrate - 40(ish)ppm
pH - 7.5(ish) - about normal

So, I have no idea what may have killed him.

 

[afishdude]

its common for other fish to turn on dead/ weak fish. thats just what they do in the wild, survival of the fittest i guess.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Do any of the fish have white stringy looking poop? Internal bacteria is quite common in livebearers and can be the cause of sudden deaths in fish tanks.

 

[Orodreth]

I haven't seen any, I will keep an eye out and if they have I'll let you know.

 

[doresy]

Other fish normally get a head start on eating dead fish.....ie. while they are getting weak