Eel jumped, chances of revival?

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Hey guys, one of my ribbons (the biggest one) jumped today, I saw him this morning, went back to bed then went to the store, found him on the floor covered in dog hair about 20 minutes ago, he was still pretty wet, I've got him in a breeder box right by the filter outlet where he can get lots of flow. what are the chances that he can come back? right now he's just kinda lying motionless. How long should I leave him to see if he'll come back?

@lion king any ideas?

Crustaceon · Mar 11, 2023

If it’s breathing, it has a good chance. If so, leave it be for the next few hours.

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Crustaceon said:
If it’s breathing, it has a good chance. If so, leave it be for the next few hours.

not breathing or moving right now, like I said was still very wet when I found him tho

vetteguy53081 · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
Hey guys, one of my ribbons (the biggest one) jumped today, I saw him this morning, went back to bed then went to the store, found him on the floor covered in dog hair about 20 minutes ago, he was still pretty wet, I've got him in a breeder box right by the filter outlet where he can get lots of flow. what are the chances that he can come back? right now he's just kinda lying motionless. How long should I leave him to see if he'll come back?

@lion king any ideas?

The key is wet. If still wet, it offers the best chance of recovery. They are able to breathe outside air and retain oxygen which is the better news. The slime coat is the challenge for bacterial issues. You can add some stress coat which has aloe and can help with slime and Methelyne blue will help with slime restoration also but just a little bit

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
The key is wet. If still wet, it offers the best chance of recovery. They are able to breathe outside air and retain oxygen which is the better news. The slime coat is the challenge for bacterial issues. You can add some stress coat which has aloe and can help with slime and Methelyne blue will help with slime restoration also but just a little bit

thank you. I've got melafix on hand, no methelyne blue and i'd have to check for the stress coat

vetteguy53081 · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
thank you. I've got melafix on hand, no methelyne blue and i'd have to check for the stress coat

Im not a fan of melafix which is merely a tonic comprised of tea Tree oil

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
Im not a fan of melafix which is merely a tonic comprised of tea Tree oil

gotcha, do you think i should run up to the store for stress coat?

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

I would wait, You dont need to do anything at this point especially if the eel is not respirating.

I hate to be the bearer of such news, but if the eel is not respirating, it is not going to suddenly revive and start breathing again. being wet is a good sign in general. How long were you at the store?

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Bucs20fan said:
I would wait, You dont need to do anything at this point especially if the eel is not respirating.

I hate to be the bearer of such news, being wet is a good sign yes. How long were you at the store?

i was gone an hour

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
i was gone an hour

Yeah its gone, Im sorry for your loss, we have all lost fish to the carpet. You have my thoughts.

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Bucs20fan said:
Yeah its gone, Im sorry for your loss, we have all lost fish to the carpet. You have my thoughts.

it didn't even land on the carpet, it was a wooden floor

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
it didn't even land on the carpet, it was a wooden floor

Unfortunately thats even worse. It could have been concussed or suffered any number of injuries.

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Bucs20fan said:
Unfortunately thats even worse. It could have been concussed or suffered any number of injuries.

oh how wonderful

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
oh how wonderful

But take a positive from this though, you now know its going to happen. IF you have eels, they are escape artists. You must have a lid of some sort with NO gaps. They will find it and they are surprisingly strong and very smart.

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

You have time to make sure your other two ribbon eels never get the chance to go through this.

Goaway · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:

I am so sorry for this. Just keep him there. I do hope he pulls through

Icky Nicky · Mar 11, 2023

Bucs20fan said:
But take a positive from this though, you now know its going to happen. IF you have eels, they are escape artists. You must have a lid of some sort with NO gaps. They will find it and they are surprisingly strong and very smart.

I've got the lid covered everywhere I can think of, maybe I need to double cover it or use tape in certain areas or something, I'm just so upset right now

vetteguy53081 · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
gotcha, do you think i should run up to the store for stress coat?

It will help.

Bucs20fan · Mar 11, 2023

Icky Nicky said:
I've got the lid covered everywhere I can think of, maybe I need to double cover it or use tape in certain areas or something, I'm just so upset right now

Check feeding ports, where plumbing enter and exit. These are the two most likely spots. If the lid was unsecured, they can lift it, depending on the type of lid of course.