Martin Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 Momma bear is sick. In her guppy tank, she was one of the original three female guppies that bore the rest of the population. She is special from the others though because she was born with a spine deformity that gave her a hunchback appearance. Despite this, she has always been a happy and healthy resident amongst her family. As the population grew, she become only one of a few guppies that I could recognize on sight. I don't always see her due to the amount of hardscape and plants I keep; I just figured she was hidden away somewhere hiding from her suitors. It wasn't until I did a deep clean of the tank this evening that Momma scurried away from a little spot near the sponge filter. I dropped to eye-level to say hello and it was then that I saw her once round and healthy belly had lost all volume and that she was only slowly fluttering her fins. When placing her in an isolation box and the poor thing didn't/couldn't even run from the net. She literally just allowed herself to get scooped up. She doesn't swim; she won't eat. I feel guilty, like I should have seen it sooner. I'm heartbroken over a guppy. I didn't know that was possible. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfish Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 So sorry to hear. We get attached to our pets regardless of type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 It's awful to see a fish struggle and know there is not much you can do, moving her will at least protect her from the others and let her go in peace. How old is she? She might have just reached the end of her swim. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwissAquarist Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 Whatever happens, we will kill fish, and it may not even be our fault. As aquarists, aloe can do is give our best to keep this number at a minimum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineSong Posted September 24, 2022 Share Posted September 24, 2022 It is painful to see a fish feeling poorly. It sounds like she has lived an active and fish-friendly life with lots of companions in your tank. I'm sure she has benefitted from your care. Between plants and the population size for guppies, it is nearly impossible to notice right away when one fish is hiding. It happens to all of us 😞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted September 24, 2022 Author Share Posted September 24, 2022 Thank you all. @Flumpweesel The store only had 3x females the day I brought her home and they were all full grown, so I'd like to believe she has had a good, solid life. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted September 25, 2022 Author Share Posted September 25, 2022 Welp... Momma has passed. She is survived by a countless score of her fry. I did her the honor of burying her in our garden. May she rest in peace. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev C Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 I am so sorry it is always hard to see them go but it sounds like you gave her s good life prayers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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