We introduced our new Filamented Wrasse (from Paradise Pets) into our tank after acclimating him today and our Royal Gramma promptly started harassing him. After about one minute of chasing, the gramma jumped out of the tank. Luckily I was watching at the time and Kathy grabbed him and put him in our other tank. He's pretty stressed and not doing well. The gramma has always been a shy, peaceful fish but when another fish of similar shape and size was introduced, he went nuts.
I can't wait to tell Roxanne that she is not the only one that has a claim to fame of saving a fish. Although, Roxanne claims to have done some version of CPR by blowing on the fish before she put it back in the tank.
I would have loved to have seen that!! If that happens again you better take some video so I can see! That is too funny. I think I was more stressed than the fish was. When I picked it up from the carpet behind the tank, it had a small piece of paper stuck to it and as I carried it into the kitchen I tried to remove the paper. Then, all of a sudden it jumped out of my hand and landed "splat' onto the tile. Then I had to pick it up again and put it in the small tank. At first, it just floated but then I started trying to sweep water across it and it moved to the bottom of the tank. But, today it is out and moving around so I think it will be okay. Kathy
Have you guys ever heard of a net???? easier to transport than your hand !!! Anyway congrats on your lifesaving skills.
No, Norman I did not think of getting a net! I was just trying to hurry and get him off the carpet. It was very stressful. I will try next time to remember that the next time Joe tells me that a fish has jumped out of the bank of the tank that Norman says to do the following: Tell Joe that I will go get the fish net and put it next to the fish and ask the fish to "jump in it" without touching it with my hands! Thanks Norman for the great advice!
I don't know that I would have gotten a net either - although I wouldn't have been to squeamish about picking the fish up with my hands. Paper towel or hands you are still removing some of the fishes protective slime coat and is that more important than getting it back into the tank as quickly as possible. I don't know?
I did not know that I could hurt their protective coating by touching them. Anyway, Violet seems to have recovered completely and keeps looking at me gratefully for saving her life!
the slime coat will be removed some by touching the fish. in the future you can limit the amount removed by dipping your hands in the tank water first and then picking the fish up. it will actually help alot.
I hate mysterious disappearances. I always want to know why. You didn't find a fish stick hiding behind the tank did you?
