only a matter of time... "reticulated stingray"

**Alpo** · 07-07-2009, 11:55 PM

Unfortunately my reticulated stingray has taken a turn for the worst. Now it's only a matter of time before my beloved reticulated stingray, Irwin, lays to rest. Irwin was eating fine and very active for a few weeks but then was attacked by the argulus "fish lice" parasite. After treatment started he immediately stopped eating and hasn't since. That was about a week ago. After a day I realized he seemed parasite free and I started water changes. I thought the stress of the meds was making unhappy. In the last few days he's been starting a death curl with his disc. His hip bones are stinking out out and it's just so sad to see. A week ago he was fine...

**Kaz** · 07-08-2009, 12:09 AM

So sorry...

There's absolutely no way?

**Alpo** · 07-08-2009, 12:22 AM

don't think so. My roommate and I have tried feeding 3 times a day for the past week. I think they got the best of him. BTW The medication I used was Dimilin. ray owners act cautious to this med.

**Crispy** · 07-08-2009, 12:32 AM

thats too bad to hear about your ray dying like this... they are very finicky fish that require experienced care. especially when choosing a ray, you want one thats been quarantined for awhile with no signs of disease/parasites. are you planning on getting another?

**Alpo** · 07-08-2009, 12:35 AM

We decided yes but only after we move into our house and make another tank for the ever growing dephsey.

**Wild Turkey** · 07-08-2009, 12:52 AM

Im sorry to hear about this

Are you planning on euthing? Sorry to bring it up but if you think you have done all you can, thats usually the next course of action to minimize suffering. Of course if you think the med may have done it, there is a chance he could pull through, and I really hope he does.

Good luck in the future

**Alpo** · 07-08-2009, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Wild Turkey

Are you planning on euthing?

how do you go about this?

**Wild Turkey** · 07-08-2009, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by Alpo

how do you go about this?

For fish, placing the fish into a cup of cool, dechlored water and putting it into the freezer until the water becomes icy.

Some people use clove oil instead.

Those seem to be the two most humane options besides severing the head with one clean blow, which is a little hands on for most people and Im not sure it it would work well on a stingray?

I would give it some time though, maybe run some carbon.

**Oscar_freak12321** · 07-08-2009, 02:02 AM

Don't euth him yet. Hope he will pull through, because sounds like there is a slim chance he can. I wouldn't hold my breath though...sorry to hear he's in that condition...