A cautionary tale

[Lynn B]

I just lost a beautiful male betta to what I consider a freak accident, but now when I think about it...maybe my fault.  I have cholla wood in my tanks, and this male betta swam into the hole on one side and got stuck and died.  Very sad, and when I think about it, it could happen easily, so now I will be blocking any holes large enough for any fish to get into before I put it in the aquarium.  Hope this helps someone else not have this happen. He had been living in this tank with the wood for over a year.

Edited March 2, 2021 by Lynn B
added info

[SkarahW]

I’m so sorry to hear this. But it’s an important subject to touch on. 
Decor needs to be functional and safe. Thanks for sharing. 

[CT_]

So should I take out my razor blade sculpture?

 

Seriously though I used to think fish were "smart enough" to not get hurt but then I realized not all species evolved with the same kind of dangers so they'd have no reason to know.  I actually feel a bit worried about using dragon stone but I feel its a calculated risk and so far everyone's been fine.  fingers crossed!

[Mitch_ScruffyCityAquatics]

I did some maintenance yesterday and found where a large mystery snail appears to have died after wedging himself under an arch in my spiderwood that rests on the substrate. 
 

I was baffled. I never thought one of them would get caught under there.