Question: Stuck Fish?

[Rednut]

Hello there,
I have a couple of awesome axolotls girls. They have been quite happily sharing their tank with 1x small very fast catfish. Said catfish is now only a tail hanging out of the mouth of the larger axy.(about 22cm) I know that they do eat live fish, but is it normal to have them sticking out of there mouths and if so for how long. Any advise would be appreciated as I am worried about her.
Cheers
Rednut

 

[melfly]

Hi. I think a catfish was a bad choice of tankmate to be honest. You could try a salt bath in hope she regurgitates it. I would be concerned as having this fish stuck could kill your axie. Dont have any tank mates in future. I hope she spits it out. Mel

 

[Shizeric]

If worst comes to worse, try and give the tail a gentle pull. I've heard of people assisting their axies who have bitten more than they can chew (in this case an entire fish). Make sure to be extremely careful, as some catfish are equipped with spines that could easily damage an axolotl. Don't force it, but if she doesn't intend to eat it, and is just hanging out with it in her mouth, you may be able to remove it. I agree fullheartedly with Melfly that the catfish was a poor choice of tankmate, axies are best kept only with other axolotls.

 

[Jennewt]

There are several similar incidents recorded here:
Caudata Culture Articles - Species Mixing Disasters
If you could send me a photo, I would like to add it. It might help other people to not repeat the same experience.

Because of the spines, this is a tricky situation. It would help if you could get help from a vet, who could anaesthetize the axie, making it easier to get the fish back out. If you cannot get a vet, you at least need another person to help hold the axie during the removal process.

 

[Rednut]

Thanks for the info guys,
Have to agree that the catfish wasn't the smartest of ideas. Have had a go at removing it by gently pulling on its tail, no go, it was in there pretty firmly and I didn't want to force the issue and risk more discomfort to the greedy bugger. That was last night, this morning she appears to have swallowed a bit more of kitty as the tail is no longer hanging out and she can close her mouth. Can still see evidence of the catfish via her gullet.
Cheers
Rednut

 

[Rednut]

Thanks for the info guys,
Have to agree that the catfish wasn't the smartest of ideas. Have had a go at removing it by gently pulling on its tail, no go, it was in there pretty firmly and I didn't want to force the issue and risk more discomfort to the greedy bugger. That was last night, this morning she appears to have swallowed a bit more of kitty as the tail is no longer hanging out and she can close her mouth. Can still see evidence of the catfish via her gullet.
Cheers
Rednut

I hope this is good news, but she has finnally spat out the cat fish. The barbs were all still in place as well. I have put her in some lighly salted water and popped her in the fridge. I hope this is the correct thing to do. PLEASE advise
Cheers
rednut

 

[Jennewt]

That's good news. I'm sure a visit to the fridge won't hurt. I expect that the axie will be just fine.

 

[Shizeric]

Yeah, if she shows no sign of distress or discomfort, let her be. If she did possibly cause injury due to a barb or something of that matter, a salt bath isn't necessary. I would just let her stay in her tank and monitor her. The less stress the better after such an unusual ordeal.

 

[melfly]

Glad she's got it out. If shes already in the fridge i would leave her in there for a few days. Dont forget to change her water daily while shes in there, with fresh water of the same temp. Mel