problem with my baby arowana

papastew · Member Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Milwaukee

I recently purchased a 3" silver arowana. I came home one night and noticed that for what ever reason it lost a scale on its back. Now it appears that the spot has become swollen. I just fed it and it is still very active and doesn't appear sick. I am worried about an infection more than anything because of how young it is. I have given a treatment of melafix and the swelling went down. Any other suggestions?

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3436

Can you post a pic?

What are your readings for ammonia, nitrIte, and nitrAte?

-Chelle

kc5gvn · Moderator Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 1147

Hi papastew, Arawanas get a bit skittish and jump when it's dark and the lights are out. He probably banged his back on the glass canopy. You might try lowering the water level an inch or so in the tank. Probably most helpful would be to put a small night light next to or over the tank so that it is not completely dark. This usually helps keep them from being so skittish. Also, I noticed that you said he was 3". If he still has the yolk sack you need to be very careful about any water treatments that might be harsh on the yolk sack.

papastew · Member Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Milwaukee

I figured that it did bump itself at night, cuz I do here it splash at night. I'll lower the water level. As far as the water quality, everything is exceptional. Like I said it seems to be doing well, being very active, feeding regularly,and showing no ill signs. Do you think that melafix is a good precautionary measure to use?[/quote]

kc5gvn · Moderator Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 1147

A dim light seems to work best at keeping them from jumping at night. The yolk sack is very sensitive and it's very easy to lose an Arawana while they are still in that stage. Regarding Melafix: Several members here have used it with exceptional results. I have only used it once with disasterous results so I won't recommend or use it. There may have been something else going on in that tank that I was not aware of, but until I am absolutly sure that a medication is safe when used as directed I won't recommend it.

papastew · Member Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Milwaukee

Sorry, I forgot to tell you that the fish does not have its yolk sac. I have seen them for sale with the sac still attached and it. Maybe its in the 3 1/2-4" range.

Fish Addict · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:25 pm Post subject:

i have to ask what size tank is this fish going to be staying in

papastew · Member Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Milwaukee

ok...guys don't be alarmed, but it is currently in a 20h for the time being. I have a 55g ready when the time comes, a 90g, and will be getting a 180g in a few months. This is getting EXPENSIVE....... but its definitely worth it. Its kinda addicting...eh FishAddict? Laughing

Fish Addict · Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:25 am Post subject:

very addictting