EBJD - signs I should look for?

**sheamurai** · 06-05-2011, 11:12 PM

My EBJD is just starting to get to the age now that supposedly disaster strikes. He's a touch over 3" and eating well and looking good. Ok, he's getting to the age where I'm starting to worry about disaster striking, lol. I imagine that he has another 1/2 inch to inch to go.

The danger zone seems to be around the 4" mark, at which the majority of EBJDs don't seem to make it to 5".

What are the signs and symptoms? Do they lose their appetite, become listless, eat but get emaciated anyway - what should I look for so at least I have some warning that he's not going to make it?

Any tips appreciated...

hmm, sorry about the pic...the original is brighter and sharper, not sure why it downgraded when uploaded...

**Lab_Rat** · 06-06-2011, 03:00 AM

Mine would start to get anorexic and then a couple of weeks later they'd crap out. They didn't refuse food but didn't eat with their usual gusto. I didn't see signs of parasites like stringy poo, but with the last one when he started going anorexic I tried treating him for parasites but it didn't make a difference. Good luck with your guy, I hope you have better luck than I did.

**riot** · 06-06-2011, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by Lab_Rat

Mine would start to get anorexic and then a couple of weeks later they'd crap out. They didn't refuse food but didn't eat with their usual gusto. I didn't see signs of parasites like stringy poo, but with the last one when he started going anorexic I tried treating him for parasites but it didn't make a difference. Good luck with your guy, I hope you have better luck than I did.

I had great luck with mine. He was about 7" when I had to give him away to someone with a larger tank. He was by far my favorite fish I've ever owned.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-06-2011, 07:18 AM

I didn't know these fish had a problem with longevity. Never heard that before.

I wonder if worming them before they get ill would make a difference?

**sheamurai** · 06-06-2011, 12:00 PM

Thanks Labby. Nice to know what to look for.

@Lady Hobbs - The electric blue jacks seem to have a problem - they are inbred to get the blue hybrid variation and as a result, aren't very hardy. Evidently something goes wrong with their digestive system at a certain size/age and they die shortly after. Nothing to do with illness or parasites. Riots nice 7" JD above isn't an electric blue - his looks like my regular Jack Dempsey. In any event, all my fish get a dose of prazipro when I get them, so hopefully that avenue is covered anyway!

**riot** · 06-06-2011, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by sheamurai

Thanks Labby. Nice to know what to look for.

@Lady Hobbs - The electric blue jacks seem to have a problem - they are inbred to get the blue hybrid variation and as a result, aren't very hardy. Evidently something goes wrong with their digestive system at a certain size/age and they die shortly after. Nothing to do with illness or parasites. Riots nice 7" JD above isn't an electric blue - his looks like my regular Jack Dempsey. In any event, all my fish get a dose of prazipro when I get them, so hopefully that avenue is covered anyway!

Oh ok. Only the electric blues. No wonder mine was so healthy.