My New Rescue, Kato!

[fishRfriends]

So, while at the petstore I was kidding around saying that in my dorm I can have a ten gallon tank. So...can I have 2 five gallons? And 5 two gallons?? Well...I sure hope this is the case now! As I walked by the bettas I saw something on the ground. Then it moved. I immediately picked the little guy up and put him in his tank and he swam around a bit. I left the store but I just couldn't leave him there so I went back and got him. The guy was like, heh, you want HIM? And I explained that he jumped onto the floor and I scooped him up, and I just had to get him (to which he had no reaction...). He then said that the betta was in a fight. The betta set-up there is on a drip system I guess you could call it. The cups hang and water drips into them and out of them at the same pace, and eventually drips down into a basin. Well, if the betta jumps out of its little cup it ends up in the basin (or the floor), and often two will jump out and then fight (I had to tell them twice to scoop the bettas out of this tub on two occasions ) But anyways, now I have the little guy. He is in a small temp tank right now. One question though, his mouth seems to be stuck open. The way it is in the pic is the way it always is. I haven't seen him close it since he's been here, and when he goes up for air he just kinda blows out. Is this something that can be treated? I put mellafix, some salt, and a conditioner thats supposed to help with the slime coat, so hopefully these will help with his injuries. If not though, I just hope he will be happy for his time here . So, here he is! I'm thinking Rico...a friend said that and I kinda like it.

 

[Jaded12]

awsome rescue! congrats!! what a cutie he'll be gorgeous when he's all better! Add a bit of salt to the water to help the regrowth and keep the water sparkling and he'll be good as new in no time. I like the name rico! what about kato? its african meaning "second chance"

 

[fishRfriends]

That name is perfect!! Kato--I love names with meanings. Thanks!! He seems to be settling in well. I tried him with a pellet which he ignored, but I think thats to be expected considering his ordeal. And he still hasen't closed his mouth . I read it could be a genetic disorder or a bacterial infection that makes his face swell? Anyone have any experience with that?

 

[PoptartShop]

That was very nice of you to rescue him!
I hope he recovers well, he's very cute.
Congrats!

 

[kewskills]

aww he looks a scraggy little soul, im sure with the love you are gonna give him and time he will recover and have an enjoyable happy life.
Well done on the rescue

 

[devon_charm]

Awwww bless his lil fins. Well done for takin him on i'm sure with lots of TLC you'll pull him round. I hope someone can give you some advice on his mouth though it will be a bit more reasuring to see if he can eat. Keep us updated

 

[MermaidMel]

That's so lovely, good luck with him xx

 

[Jaded12]

And he still hasen't closed his mouth . I read it could be a genetic disorder or a bacterial infection that makes his face swell? Anyone have any experience with that?

Looking at the pic his face doesn't look swollen, my honest guess would be that when he got into the fight with the other male, they were lip locking (an aggressive behavior) and the other male may have broken or dislocated your little guys jaw. as for what to do about it I'm not really sure. What I would be worried about is him trying to eat he may have trouble with that.

 

[fishRfriends]

Thanks for all your responses . Although his fins seem to be improving, I don't think he is doing well . As suggested, I think he may have a broken jaw from the fight. He has not closed his mouth yet and hasn't eaten anything. Also, when he goes to breathe, he pops his head out of the water and swims fast, like he is pushing air into his mouth . I got a video of him doing this, if that helps. I really hope there is something I can do .



Ok...if that video doesnt work...this is the adress for it...Fish video

Also some pictures from today.

 

[Vaughn]

He looks very sorry for himself.

I hope he picks up soon.

Please keep posting up dates

 

[fishRfriends]

Ugh I feel so helpless. He is in really good condition other than his mouth. He's so energetic, zooming around the tank. His fins are already showing improvement. He doesn't have any of the common problems like fungus or fin rot. I know he could pull through this beautifully if only his mouth would close and he could eat. I read somewhere about trying to relocate the jaw, by basically very gently trying to close/maneuver the mouth. If he doesn't start eating within the next few days, should I try this? I'm afraid I would make it worth...but anything would be better than starving to death? Maybe if I try flake foods? He could scoop it up better? I'm just so lost

 

[ShoC]

Have you checked to see if anything it lodged in his mouth?
I read about a catfish that had its mouth open constantly,
sadly dies but after they realised a stone was stuck in there,

if not I would try the closing his mouth, Best bet I think would be to add some clove oil make him go sleepy then try and see what happens...

Im flagging this as I cant wait to see his progress.

I wish you all the best luck there is. (he will be a stunner for sure.

 

[fishRfriends]

Sorry for the updates every 5 minutes lol...but here it goes. I closed his mouth very gently, and as soon as I let go it just pops back out again. I don't know if I should keep messing around with it or what. I don't know when this pet store, or if, they last fed him, and I'm scared about him not eating . I go to Cornell, and I'm tempted to call the vet hospital here and ask if they see fish, but is there anything they could even do for a fish so tiny? *Sigh* this is so frustrating.

 

[afishdude]

ahh i cant remember what its called but its a serious problem. if the fish is not eating it will definitely die.
try contacting wilder. she will tell you for sure.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?act=Ms...4&MID=10177

 

[WILDER]

Can the fish still eat.
Open mouth can mean sore or ulcer in the mouth, or something lodged in the mouth.