Neon Gourami wasting away

[gm72]

One of my 55 gallon tanks is predominantly gourami-inhabited. All other inhabitants are lively and playful. No changes to the routine, foods, or anything. Water parameters are rock solid. One of the neons have been, for lack of better description, wasting away slowly over the last few weeks. Very little color, losing body mass. He is...well, maybe 2 or 3 years old. Should he be euthanized or left to die?

[cocoa_pleco]

if it looks like hes old and on the end of his rope, euthuanise him. else, wait it out.

Hope hes fine

[gm72]

Honestly looks like old age. No spots or any overt sign of illness whatsoever. Again, the rest of the tank is acting perfectly fine and water parameters are fine. There are 2 other neons in there and they are also fine. I think I'll see what happens over the next few days then make a decision. He has looked like this for maybe the last 2 weeks or so but seems to be progressing slowly. I got a really good look at him today and he just seems to be losing tissue mass. Thanks for the input!

[gm72]

Well, that's it. The other fish were starting to nip at him and pester him. He was totally isolated and continued to just waste away. Euthanized last night. That SUCKS to have to do that. Not a happy camper.

[RobbieG]

Sorry about the neon - theres nothing worse than having to put a pet down.

[gm72]

Yeah, and only fish people understand that a fish is a pet, too. Last night I gave my wife a big hug and just sighed heavily. I said "this is ridiculous, its just a fish." She said "but its still a part of our family". SO true. Thanks for the support.

[cocoa_pleco]

I remember having to put down my aulonocara SP. albino. He mysteriously got popeye, and it was a secondary infection of septicemia. He LOVED to eat, and after his heart slowly wasted away he wouldnt eat and just gave up on life

[gm72]

Not cool. This part of keeping critters is not fun. I've had to put down cats, dogs, etc. Not fun. Just...not fun. Very upsetting. At least we can comfortably say that we keep our animals safe and comfortable for their time on this earth!