help me!

[unforgiven]

I have an adult female red devil. I keep her and her mate along with their most recent batch of young in a 120 gallon tank.

tonight I found her upside down at the bottom of the tank breathing slowly mouth wide open No external signs of disease, only thing past couple days is her fins were torn and she didn't want to eat. (along with all tank mates)

shes alive in my hospital tank for now. Heavy damage to the body, fins, one eye injured (cloudy) looks like a fight...or is it disease? no external signs of sickness, tank conditions optimal. someone please help! she's my oldest fish...it'll be to late by the time someone reads this I know...but it's worth a shot...please? I love her.

 

[wuvmybetta]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Perhaps dad turned on her (obviously,huh?). I really hate to recommend meds,maybe a pinch of salt If you have a lfs with a nice Tropical Science selection get some Amazon Rain, it's packed with vitamins,great stuff. Is she still upside down now that you've moved her or has she straightened up?

Hopefully the peace and quiet will be good for her,best wishes to both of you.

 

[unforgiven]

still upside down...but her fins have unclamped from the sides of her body at least, still won't close her mouth..maybe in the morning.

 

[wuvmybetta]

How heart breaking this must be for you. Just keep positive thoughts, perhaps add an airstone for her. It could be that the attack happened right before you found her and she's just in shock, they're such hardy fish, I'm sure she'll make it through, she's just tired. At the risk of soundng like a cornball, maybe you should go talk to her and try and soothe her. I'd never say that if it were a...hmm, tetra for example. But since she's the amazing fish that she is, it might help perk her up

 

[unforgiven]

the damage was far to extensive...the male was so much bigger and stronger. I'm sad to say that she died in the night

 

[wuvmybetta]

I'm so sorry,unforgiven. Have you removed the fry from the father's tank? Maybe you should since he's gone whacko.

 

[unforgiven]

yes I did...I just can't figure out why after 7 years he'd do that. I'll either have to find some new tankmates for him or move him out to one of my 55s and restock the tank...1 fish and 120 gallons of water looks ridiculous..any suggestions?