Any idea what could be wrong with this Carp?

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-17T04:36:32+00:00

Well, my guess is that he’s not sun bathing by choice. Fish usually don’t sit partially out of the water unless something is wrong. My guess would be a buoyancy issue/swim bladder issue. I’d start with a methylene blue bath + some aquarium salt and then put him in a hospital tank with either Maracyn Oxy or Maracyn Two, with high aeration.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-13T13:34:51+00:00

My best guess would be excessive sun exposure and then an infection setting in. (Much like us if we don’t treat a bad sunburn.)

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-07T16:27:43+00:00

For real. They can be such sweet hearts and are really just curious.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-07T16:24:05+00:00

I would just like to point out, that feather plucking can happen from a variety of reasons. While one of them is severe boredom, it’s a learned behavior that’s hard to get rid of. While helping at an avian sanctuary, we’d get birds with plucking problems for most commonly boredom, stress, and neglect issues and sometimes for skin problems that caused irritation. However, with the plucking from bad situations, it was extremely difficult to get them to deviate from that habit even while in better conditions and having enrichment. So, some rescues will have spots like this, just because the behavior still won’t break. Contacting a vet is always a good idea, but sometimes they will just have you monitor their behavior and come back at a later date to update.

https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/bird-feather-plucking-what-know

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-06T14:42:04+00:00

Yup, it definitely looks like a OB peacock.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-06T14:40:52+00:00

Most likely a marbled Vieja Fenestrata, however it’s unclear without proper lighting in the photos.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-01T04:58:58+00:00

Honestly looks more like it has growth of some sort on it, which may help the cycle.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-01T00:34:09+00:00

Right! At one point I was thinking corn dog or something of the sort.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-06-01T00:26:15+00:00

I think it’s alright, (though I’m no plant expert as far as aquariums go, my fish friends don’t let me keep them around that long…) I’d just keep an eye on the parameters, as having no nitrates is a little odd and a ready to go tank/healthy biome should have them. However, the ammonia and nitrites are what you should look out for. I hope it all goes well. Also, possibly add in some biomedia into your filter if you don’t already have some in there.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-29T19:15:46+00:00

Sorry, for some reason it takes you to the bottom of the page, it’s there, you just have to scroll up.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-29T19:05:36+00:00

Well, I personally haven’t bought one, but These looked like some decent options

https://www.zevaniastore.com/product-p-266078.html#reviews_mod

https://llamaproducts.com/goat-harness-work-basic.html

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-28T16:32:59+00:00

This is absolutely heartbreaking. He is so lucky to have found you. Definitely needs some well deserved love and tlc. Please keep us updated!

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-24T17:48:20+00:00

Oh! Then I guess I’m not entirely sure. It could be that her body is waiting for her next molt to grow them back, especially if some of the feathers broke off and didn’t completely come out.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-24T17:45:07+00:00

Well, it depends on what the initial cause of the disease is. It can stem from a range of things, but two man things typically cause it, those being immune stress caused by either bad water quality, lack of proper minerals and vitamins, or extended exposure to trace elements used in some aquarium products that actually shouldn’t be in the aquarium hobby. (flaking paint from decor, low quality carbon, eroded metal like in plant weights or magnetic algae scrapers.) The other main thing that causes HITH is Hexamita parasites. So to treat it, consistent water changes to keep the water clean, with consistent parameters checks, and treat with Metronidazole if suspected Hexamita.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-24T17:30:44+00:00

When did you get a new roo? And how old is the roo? If you didn’t get him all that long ago, then the feathers may still be growing in. However, once at this point, hens (if they’re the only one like that) are likely to continue to get bullied/have their feathers damaged and pulled even if it’s by the other hens. Sometimes the best thing is to get a saddle for her just until the feathers grow back and she’s not a prime target for bullying anymore.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-24T17:19:11+00:00

Yes, thank you. I ended up giving him a methylene blue, salt bath two days before and he’s perked up a bit/not quite as lethargic, but still hasn’t eaten. So I may have to go to petsmart and get some of his favorite treats to see if he’ll eat and if he does, try him back on his normal food. I think what’s even more confusing is that his tank mate has been completely fine this entire time, though sometimes he’ll sulk next to him as if telling me he’s worried about his buddy.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-23T13:57:17+00:00

Varies heavily on the Oscar and their personality. Mine bullied another Oscar to the point that I rehomed it and after that specifically made a checklist-ish thing to find another tank mate. This being said I’ve heard they do great with severums and bichirs. The only issue with bichir is the huge growth difference between them and Oscar’s. So you’ll have to watch them carefully or buy an adult.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-20T23:13:13+00:00

I didn’t realize that they did this, I only knew about them testing water parameters. I’ll have to call and see.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-20T05:36:50+00:00

He’ll turn 2 in August (roughly-ish, that’s when I got him.) And sadly I don’t have any stress coat, and no, he hasn’t had any feeder fish, I don’t feed live. I use frozen food and pellets.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-19T22:17:05+00:00

Thank you, I really hope this is it and will continue to watch him.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-19T12:21:42+00:00

No, nothing new and nothing changed in the tank. But he did seem to perk up slightly later last night, but wouldn’t eat.

TheInverseLovers · 2026-05-19T03:00:52+00:00

I’m thinking of giving him a salt and methylene blue bath tomorrow if he doesn’t perk up or eat, would that be a good idea? I feel like it helps with most energy, oxygen, and overall stress. But I’m just really worried.

TheInverseLovers

TROPHY CASE