Is this nem dying

[Chicago-quicksilver]

Hi everyone,

Found this guy stuck in my sump, no idea for how long. Took him out a few days ago and he is moving around and was planted but today I found him like this. Want to make sure he is dead and remove him before he pollutes my tank. Tried feeding him a few days ago and he wouldn't take the small piece of shrimp. All 5 of my other nems are doing well. Is there anything I can do to try and save him?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Do you have a QT tank you could put him in? He doesn’t look good at all.

 

[Chicago-quicksilver]

My QT has been treated with copper a few months ago, is that okay to place the nem in there?

 

[davocean]

It's not looking good at all, and I'd be inclined to pull it from display so it does not foul tank, but it is possible it could split and still leave something, or possibly survive, so I would not flush it just yet.

 

[Chicago-quicksilver]

It's still moving a bit, anything I should look for before it fouls my tank?

 

[GtiKyle]

Mine looks just like that, has for the last few days...In for some comments because I'm not sure what's going on with him.

 

[davocean]

It's still moving a bit, anything I should look for before it fouls my tank?

It can begin to mush and melt, and touching it pieces will break away and it can become difficult to even pull it w/out it falling apart, you will want to catch it before that.
It's somewhat visible, or at least if you've seen one at that point you will know what it looks like, and that pic looks close to being there, though I have seen them come back even looking like that, why I say don't flush, but I would contain it and keep from having issues w/ rest of tank however you can do that.

 

[Chicago-quicksilver]

I can still move it, I'll move it to a intank QT, hopefully, that way if it does start to "melt" I can quickly remove it without any issue.

 

[NewGoby]

@Chicago-quicksilver I've hadt two that looked far worse than this, both made it out, but it took a while for them to recover.
To make sure it isn't dead, you can take it out for a second and smell it, if it's the most disgusting smell you've ever smelled it's dead.
If not, put it into your QT and let it be for a while (month or two), don't feed it, cover all intakes & wave makers, and make sure the lighting isn't too bright

 

[MichaelP121579]

Mine did same thing for a out 3 days.. I got worried he was gonna "nuke" tank. I reached in to remove it and it flew apart. luckily nothing happened. I would personally recommend removing him from the tank

 

[Chicago-quicksilver]

Thanks, everyone, ended up taking him out and he started falling apart. Thankfully I did it in time.