My new purple tang has no eyes, what to do?

[jamal-188]

Well somebody at work put a purple tang in with a mean black bar pseudochromis at work. About an hour later I noticed this and saw that the purple tang had both of it's eyes eaten/ripped out They were going to freeze the fish but I said I would gladly take it and try to keep it alive and nurse it back....I'm putting it in my 10g Q tank as we speek.

I'm know I need to keep a real close eye on him and the water parameter to try and prevent any secondary infections. Should I buy any meidcation and keep it on hand in case he breaks out with soemthing, or should I just treat the tank now?

Any other suggestions would be great!

[Steven Pro]

I agree with the people at your work. I would euthanize this poor animal.

[cloudjockey]

i agree with stevePro

[jamal-188]

Why do you say that because you think it's in pain and suffering or because you think it won't survive or what?

He's swimming around just fine, I clipped a piece of nori next to him this morning so hopefully he will smell it and find it. If he doesn't eat in a few days I will freeze him, but I thought I'd give him a chance first.

[Steven Pro]

Why do you say that because you think it's in pain and suffering or because you think it won't survive or what?
Both

[Emerald]

While I do commend you for trying to save the fish, I hope you realize what struggles he may face along the way. There is reason to believe that the sockets will heal in time, but this fish will always struggle.
He can never be housed in a main system. He wont be able to feed properly, other fish will take advantage of his weakness, he cant defend himself, and may suffer much physical damage trying to maneuver any rockwork.
That all said, if you really want to give this a go I would suggest treating with antibiotics to prevent any infection. He must eat!
At the first sign of stress, I would not hesitate to euthanize. Freezing actually takes several minutes and is a bit harsh IMO. You can put him in a bowl of tank water with a tbls of clove oil to sedate, and then freeze to ensure full euthanization.

[BiGOrange]

So what happened?

[km133688]

Maybe you should try to save the fish. If he survives, he might teach us something new. In a way, this is a truely unusual opportunity; an opportunity to study adaptability in the face of adversity. It sounds very logical that the fish can never be housed with other fish that will take advantage of its weakness, but if may suprise everyone in the ways it learns to survive. I am in favor of the attempt.

For example: can it learn to navigate its tank and surroundings? can it learn to find food? can it sense its owner comming to feed it? This could be real interesting, certainly unique.

[jamal-188]

He is not eating yet, and has actually come down with ick. I started the hypo treatment but if he doesn't eat in the next day or so I guess I should freeze him.

I realize he will never go in my main tank but I"d be happy keeping him in a smaller tank either by himself or with a couple other very passive fish.

Other than not eating he acts normal swimming around his little tank and even hides in the cave when he gets spooked.

[km133688]

Wow, we already have learned something. How can a blind fish hide in a cave when spooked? Hmm... Best of luck to you. I Hope you can find a way to feed him. If you have some appetite stimulant maybe you can try that (garlic extreme or some such thing maybe). The scent might guide him to the food.

[jamal-188]

Yes, it is interesting....


I do have garlice extreme and am picking up some more frozen meaty foods today at work to try out....I hope I can get him to eat something:D

[Emerald]

Jamal, please do keep us updated.

[OceanLyons]

What ever happened to this poor guy? Did he survive?

[luke33]

I'm going to go with yes.......about 2 yrs ago! lol