[Mallo8]

I have an African Cichlid that is seemingly stuck in this coral hiding place. I have tried getting it out but it won't budge. The worrying thing is that it has this bloodless gash on its underside. It is roughly oval shaped and the color of the rest of its underside with a darker, deeper spot towards the top of the oval. I'm nearly positive the fish is alive, as it squirms every once in a while, but my second opinion thinks its dead since "guts are coming out of" the darker hole. I'm not sure whether the fish got injured and then went to hide, or got stuck in there and another fish made an opportunity to take a bite... If anyone could tell me what they think is wrong and/or what they think I should do (leave it alone or try to get it out before it dies) that would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Romad]

Ugh! I'm sorry about your fish but can't think of anything else to do other than take him out with the ornament that he's stuck in and try to nudge him out of it. If he makes it, put him in a hospital tank and use some Melafix which is good for wounds.

If he's too far gone, you'll have to euthanize him And throw away that ornament!

Good luck - I hope you're able to save him. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Agent13]

are you sure he is truly stuck? Was he being bullied previous to this? He may have been attacked and thats where the injury was from then tucked himself in the tightest place he could to get away. I was sure my acei was dead for two days but I couldn't see his body anywhere. Finally one day I saw in an impossibly small hole his mouth poke out very breifly. I too though he was suck and freaked out! He had been bullied. I added two more fish and he came out and now he is the bully. go figure. With the nature of how they chase and hide so fast and ram into things it is a good idea to no have anything too sharp. This doesn't sound good though. Africans are so hard to keep and things like this do happen. Sorry :-(