Unexpected loss

[Oldspartan]

This morning, we found a fish had left this mortal coil. Last night all residents were acting normally including the one pictured. The death was very sudden.

This was also found next to body

The water parameters were checked this morning

Temp 78F
Amm 0
Nitrate 0
Nitrate 5 - 10
Hardness 247
KH 124

The thick strings show no life sign and are poo I believe.

All remaining fish are acting normally.

The angel in this tank is beginning to assert herself and I am wondering if she caused this death.

 

[Magnum Man]

Is it a balloon type???

 

[Oldspartan]

Is it a balloon type???

It is not. It is a dalmation type raised from fry by Linda.

 

[Magnum Man]

Looks full of babies, or worms, or bound up somehow…

 

[Oldspartan]

Looks full of babies, or worms, or bound up somehow…

Linda had believed her to be bred. She had been put in the breeding tank with another Dalmatian, (purchased not home raised), for that purpose. After a couple weeks she was put back into her home tank. This was about 4 or 5 weeks ago, I think. Linda is shopping baking supplies, and I cannot locate her journal so I am guessing the times.

 

[Oldspartan]

The thick white object?

 

[emeraldking]

If the white stringy thing is waste, you could be dealing with worms or parasites because of the white color. Dealing with it in a pregnant state could have cost her too much energy. For she does have to carry the weight of the embryos which is asking for her energy. Fortunately, the embryos don't need to be fed by the mother's body which would be the case in viviparous livebearers. For in viviparous livebearers this would cost more energy.
But this is just a speculation of what might be the cause. Other things could be in play as well.