Pictus

[tetraqueen]

I was given two of these one died and the other just will not settle its top to bottom scurring all day and night and only comes if food is around otherwise it does not mix or go peaceful in the tank at all.

Is this their nature ? Is there something wrong.

Water was fine. Did the usual 25% water change that i do .

 

[madgap]

The two I had were like that for day's and day's. Perhaps weeks. I asked the guy in the shop where I bought them, he said they are fine. And they were.
Personally I'd check for signs of fungus or infection.
I had mine for 6 years.... Before they died the eyes glazed over. I had a case of velvet. It was hard to see on them but thats what took their lives.

I hope they are fine for you and set your mind at rest, Tetra Queen.

 

[tetraqueen]

Thanks there is a clouded white band if I look closely.

Would that be velvet and what would you use to help?

The one that died had something wrong with its barbel and yes its eyes were very clouded over.
The guy I got them from was unsure when transferring them and they got caught in a net as the razer shark blades dig in so well.

I took them as he was moving away and we have swapped fish in the past when he had a large tank..

He says its good if they live but not to get upset.

I must admit I am a but scared as they are predators will they go for fingers etc

Is Gouramis okay its about 6-7cm now

 

[raptorrex]

Thanks there is a clouded white band if I look closely.

Would that be velvet and what would you use to help?

The one that died had something wrong with its barbel and yes its eyes were very clouded over.
The guy I got them from was unsure when transferring them and they got caught in a net as the razer shark blades dig in so well.

I took them as he was moving away and we have swapped fish in the past when he had a large tank..

He says its good if they live but not to get upset.

I must admit I am a but scared as they are predators will they go for fingers etc

Is Gouramis okay its about 6-7cm now

it took my Pictus nearly 6 months to chill, thats if you can say its chilled now. to me they seem to be an endless bundle of energy. they do settle a little after time. don't worry too much about the Pictus being a predictor, though how they lived before you got them, will have an effect, even when larger, mine is 6 or so inches now, not even the smallest baby cory has been lost. but small mid and top swimmers may be in the firing line, as i don't keep that sort of fish i can not say.

if you fear illness, perhaps, if you can, you should consider quarantine.

 

[cane76]

what is your water hardness and ph?

 

[madgap]

Thanks there is a clouded white band if I look closely.

Would that be velvet and what would you use to help?

The one that died had something wrong with its barbel and yes its eyes were very clouded over.
The guy I got them from was unsure when transferring them and they got caught in a net as the razer shark blades dig in so well.

I took them as he was moving away and we have swapped fish in the past when he had a large tank..

He says its good if they live but not to get upset.

I must admit I am a but scared as they are predators will they go for fingers etc

Is Gouramis okay its about 6-7cm now

I would personally do a water change then dose with 'Protazin' By 'Waterlife'. Its expensive but it covers a few common fish problems. Don't forget to remove carbon first. It may ot be a bad idea to give half dose's of 'Melafix' Just to give your fish a bit of a tonic.
Pictus shouldn't be cought in nets as they have sharp spines on the fins.which get cought.

They will do no harm to you at all even a full grown neon will be fine in the pictus company.
If the meds work and the cat lives you'll enjoy it I'm sure.

 

[tetraqueen]

Thanks
It does not look ill and looking at others they all have that white band.

I think it might be me thats a tad over anxious.

 

[madgap]

There is nothing wrong with being on the side of caution, Tetra Queen, it's always better than blindly embrasing this topic and making stupid avoidable mistakes. wouldn't you agree?

 

[tetraqueen]

I aim to be pragmatic but thats like aiming for the moon.

I think most mums and animal lovers are the same if you care you cannot just leave be.

One needs to be honest though this is a hobby that is not really for the faint hearted however it can be very calming and theraputic so it has good points.

Like the last post very kind. Thanks.

 

[madgap]

You're welcome. I've all the time in the world for sensible and caring people.

You are right, it is a calming hobby. Just need to find the rigt balance.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

don't pims prefer to be kept in groups, i understand you bought some and they passed away, but a common reason for a fish seeming stressed and unsettled is that they are kept in an inappropriate grouping. check up the pims requirements and if they like to be in a group get a few more friends for him.

also if these two fish have lived together for years it has been heard of many times for a fish to 'pine' for it's lost mate and never quite be the same after they pass on.

 

[foxycatfish]

as miss wiggle has said they like to be kept in groups. I have had pims for years always kept them in pairs or in a group 3 or more.
would not keep neons with them as they would be a nice snack for them. i had 5 danio's in the tank with mine at one point now all gone .

 

[Tobigara]

i'm no expert but i've read that pims either need to be alone or in groups of 3 or more. i had 2 in one tank and they practically killed each other. now they're seperated and seem to be doing well.