Weirdest Emergency Ever

[Polar_ice]

Right first of all this may sound weird but believe me its really happening.
My water stats are fine but they're not the problem.
One of the decorations i have in my aquarium is a small china boat in which my two Pakistani loaches live. It has one large hole (about 1 inch wide) and some small holes (as 'windows') and one of the loaches has tried to fit through the small hole and is now stuck halfway through.

Sounds a bit funny doesnt it? He's shaking his front half like he's a cartoon.

But seriously, im worriedd about him as he's getting stressed and its not likely he'll let me touch him.

Therefore I turn to Fish Forum for what I need to do, please help!

 

[minxfishy]

You need to push him back thru the hole, he might not like it, but its the only way to get him out, the longer hes stuck there the more stressed he will become, just gently push him back thru the hole. The I would remove the ornament as it will happen again. Have you tried gently shaking the ornament to see if that helps release him?

 

[smegforbrains]

You will have to help him if he doesn't free himself soon. He will need to breathe air sooner or later.


I would suggest removing the ornament completely, you don't want him getting stuck again.

 

[Polar_ice]

thanks for your help, i'll try pushing him back through gently

 

[Polar_ice]

How do I push him through hes too slippery, i seriously havent done this before

 

[minxfishy]

You will need a firm but gentle grip around the head area (if possible can you reach inside and pull too) and slowly push him back thru, being careful not to pull his skin off at the same time. If you have some melafix I would dose with that afterwards as I would assume he has damaged himself and this will help to heal up any injuries.

 

[Polar_ice]

Okay he's out now, thank you for all your help

 

[madi]

That happened to one of my goldfish.
After a lot of gentle prodding and coaxing had failed, I wound up taking the ordainment out of the water, turning it so the fish's tail was in the water and gently banging the top of the ordainment (kind of like an empty sauce bottle). He plopped out, and was completely unharmed by the experience.

Glad I'm not the only one with fish who manage to to get stuck in their castles.

 

[onebto]

That's good to here I hope the little fella is okay ?

A lesson for us all to check over ornaments a little closer before purchasing