Corie got mouth stuck to filter

[Squishiebabe]

Last night I turned on my tank light, to see one of my cories stuck to it, but only its mouth was really. It was struggling to get free, and I panicked, shut off the filter, and it fell to the bottom. I continued to watch him carefully, and he seemed shaken, but okay. His poor little mouth is all red on one side, and I'm scared he may get an infection if he doesnt die from the stress. I upped the water level by a gallon, to keep the filter current down,added some Melafix and turned out the light hoping that when i woke up he wouldnt be stuck again or dead. ...
This morning, I checked, and hes looking still a bit less active, but alive, and still swimming around. Is there anything else I can do? I know my tank needs a water change today, but I dont know if I should risk it. I cant add salt to help it, and my tank is gravel at the moment so I'm hoping that doesn't really mess things up too. Any help would be great.

 

[GSD]

its not usually that he got stuck its why he got stuck thats the problem.
usually a fish is strong enough to swim away from the pull of the filter(unless your filter is super strong)
Seperate him if you can and add meilfix and stress coat.Turn the lights out and let him recover.He should be ok

 

[Squishiebabe]

I cant seperate, but I did add Melafix, my lights are hardly ever on anyway, and I'm trying to keep the temp steady as possible. I just say he was trying to get some food or something, because only his mouth was stuck, the rest of the body wasnt. He also can swim away fine now, but thanks, I really hope he is okay...

 

[xxSarahxx]

Bless him!!
Keep him as relaxed as possible.... I think he'll pull through. Melafix is fab stuff... see how he does on that.
I would do the water change and add melafix afterwards to ensure the dosage is correct. Then keep a very close eye on him... consider.. feeding patterns, general behaviour, poos (!), energy, reactions by other fish and other stuff!!
Poor little thing though...it's a good job you found him and it sounds like you have been doing everything right!

 

[Squishiebabe]

Lol, thanks...After the waterchange, and a bit of stirring up the gravel, everyone, including him, has livened up. Guess they needed it, lol. I can hardly tell he is ill now, only really by his slightly red mouth, but its getting better. I added melafix, I think he will be alright, tomorrow will be the real test once i drop a few sinking pellets down hehe...Otherwise, he's rooting around, playing in the plants, and acting great...thanks guys.