Negative effects of not removing dead fish?

[gordoncheers]

If a fish dies in between the rock work and is virtually impossible to remove without knocking everything around could i just leave it there?

 

[Lasse]

If you have CUC (like hermits) they will eat it up.

Normally dead fishes serve as food for whatever microorganisms - even pathogens - the general advise is to pick it up if you suspect its dead was caused by pathogens - but on the other hand - moving around rocks will create stress for other fish that can provoke a disease outbreak. Its rather problematic. As we say in Sweden . you always have you but on the backside no matter how you spin around.

If I see a dead fish and is able to pick it up . I do that. If I suspect a dead fish but can´t see it - I do not try to find it. But that´s me.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I had a fire fish that I assume died somewhere in my aquascape.
I could’ve tried to get it out but that is a lot of work and I could potentially disturb the microbiome and kill my other fish. So I just left him there and allowed nature to take its course. Haven’t noticed any bad effects on the tank yet!

 

[edsbeaker]

I think it is relative to your system. If we are talking about a good size dead fish in a nano tank, then obviously it may overwhelm your system and possibly cause an ammonia spike, or increase nitrates. That same dead fish in a larger tank, no problem.
Would I dismantle all my rock work to find it….No. Just be aware of the possibilities and prepared to deal with it with water changes if needed.