Is it time to Euthanize this fish?

[Dom]

I posted on this poor guy a few days ago and have been waiting out the possibility of self-correction on a Oscellaris with its mouth stuck in the open position.

It is aware of food and does make an attempt, but clearly, it isn't able to eat. If this is true, the poor guy will eventually starve to death.

How do I decide?

 

[Kooma]

Someone suggested a lockjaw. Might be worth a shot if it isnt stung by a coral and doesnt have anything stuck in its mouth before you let him go. Keep up posted.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/clownfish-mouth-stuck-open-urgent.855539/

 

[Fish Fan]

Sorry this fish hasn’t improved. Here’s an article that @Jay Hemdal wrote on euthanasia, it has some info on if/when you would need to do this. Hopefully your fish improves, but if not maybe this will be some help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fish-euthanasia.979258/
Good luck!

 

[Dom]

Sorry this fish hasn’t improved. Here’s an article that @Jay Hemdal wrote on euthanasia, it has some info on if/when you would need to do this. Hopefully your fish improves, but if not maybe this will be some help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fish-euthanasia.979258/
Good luck!

Yes, I did read that article. But I don't want to end this fish based on my interpretation of the information.

I'm seeking input in terms of how long should I wait? I am sure the amount of time hoping for a bounce back will vary depending on the issue.

He swims into the current, so I am wondering if he is filter feeding.

 

[Lavey29]

Have you tried taking him out of the water and giving his little mouth a helping hand to close up?

 

[Fish Fan]

Yes, I did read that article. But I don't want to end this fish based on my interpretation of the information.

I'm seeking input in terms of how long should I wait? I am sure the amount of time hoping for a bounce back will vary depending on the issue.

He swims into the current, so I am wondering if he is filter feeding.

I agree, I would give the fish every chance. I tagged Jay too, maybe he’ll have some guidance for you here.

 

[Dom]

Have you tried taking him out of the water and giving his little mouth a helping hand to close up?

Not yet. I was hoping it would self-correct.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Yes, I did read that article. But I don't want to end this fish based on my interpretation of the information.

I'm seeking input in terms of how long should I wait? I am sure the amount of time hoping for a bounce back will vary depending on the issue.

He swims into the current, so I am wondering if he is filter feeding.

It isn’ t filter feeding. I normally suggest people wait before attempting jaw manipulation, but this is a severe case, I think you should try that now. Just capture the fish and gently try to close its mouth. It won’t close all the way, but you might get it to regain enough motion for it to feed again. After trying that a couple of times, if no help, you’ll need to consider euthanizing it.

 

[Dom]

It isn’ t filter feeding. I normally suggest people wait before attempting jaw manipulation, but this is a severe case, I think you should try that now. Just capture the fish and gently try to close its mouth. It won’t close all the way, but you might get it to regain enough motion for it to feed again. After trying that a couple of times, if no help, you’ll need to consider euthanizing it.

Thank you. I will try over the weekend.

 

[Kooma]

It isn’ t filter feeding. I normally suggest people wait before attempting jaw manipulation, but this is a severe case, I think you should try that now. Just capture the fish and gently try to close its mouth. It won’t close all the way, but you might get it to regain enough motion for it to feed again. After trying that a couple of times, if no help, you’ll need to consider euthanizing it.

Any merit to the trick of using something thin like a sideway needle across the mouth to try and push the mouth back in similar to a horse bit?

 

[Dom]

Any merit to the trick of using something thin like a sideway needle across the mouth to try and push the mouth back in similar to a horse bit?

Interesting idea! And I can understand why it might work.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Any merit to the trick of using something thin like a sideway needle across the mouth to try and push the mouth back in similar to a horse bit?

Maybe - I typically try to press down on the bone at the top of the jaw and then gently try to work the mouth closed....

 

[littlefoxx]

I hope your fish is okay!!

 

[Dom]

Update:

The fish has disappeared. I can't locate it and I don't want to destroy the tank looking for it.

I'm guessing that it went off somewhere to die. :disappointed-face:

 

[exnisstech]

Probably for the best. At least easier for you than having to take action. Sorry for the loss.

 

[Fish Fan]

Sorry to hear that.

 

[Dom]

Probably for the best. At least easier for you than having to take action. Sorry for the loss.

Yeah... it did spare me the experience of putting it down. I wasn't looking forward to that.

I've had the little guy, along with its mate for over 6 years.