Ram is enough enough?

My last blue ram is suffering from swimbladder problems he is just sat at the bottom can go forwards but not up . I have treated with meds for 10 days now and no improvement. The ram seems alert but not doing much. Eating but no a lot. I have read on internet they can live like this fine for years but do you all agree with this or is it cruel and time I ended it?

I abstain from this because of unquestionable reasons! BUT make sure you read up on euthanasia.

The question is, is he suffering?

If you hink he is then there is no question, you get the clove oil out and put him to sleep, but if you think he is not suffering, then leave him alone.

Have you tried starving him for a few days? Starve for 3 or 4 days, then mushed up peas for 3 days, then starve again.

After that he will wish you had euthenaised him!

Oh that's not an easy choice, I am going to vote no because I think if you thought he was suffering you would have killed him by now!

Thanks for all your thoughts its a hard one as I have been watching him and he does not seem to be eating but he must be as he has lived 10 days like this. I think I will just keep an eye on him as the angel and him dont really get on so now the angel may pick on him as he is weak hes been left alone so far though.

If he gets picked on that's horrible to see.

Get the clove oil ready just in case.

I'm with the others on this, Kelly. If he seems to be just tootling along but is in no discomfort, then I'd say let him be but if he looks to be distressed at any time, then maybe you'll have to do the decent thing. I hope it doesn't come to that though.

Im sorry to say the clove oil came out tonight as the poor ram was lying on his side all day and I could not watch him any longer. RIP he was one of my favourite ever fish

on a plus note more room to stock as I never replaced the female ram that died the male has gone and a cory killed itself. I need some colour in the tank so will have to have a look round.

lol, theres ALWAYS a silver lining somewhere...sorry about your fish though

Awww...so sorry to hear that Kelly. I know you loved your Rams and you did well to keep them so long. Have you considered Kribensis? I think they do better in hardwater and are very pretty IMO.

Funny you should mention that I have just posted about those I would love some but dont know is my grumpy angel would like them think I will give it a go as I would never put rams in hard water again. I was going to use ro water that I use for the marines but it takes too long to filter through so kribs might just be the fish. Very cheap in yorkshire too. Thanks Mary.

As long as the kribs have somewhere to call home, they should be fine with the angel

munchycarrot wrote:

As long as the kribs have somewhere to call home, they should be fine with the angel

Well that settles it then

Dont forget about the need for photo's kelly

Kribs are lovely. Pictures please! (MC are they easy to breed and are they good parents)

Well if my Rams croak - Kribs. are next on my list.