Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
I've witnessed this firsthand at a pet shop where discus fish were flown in, packed in Styrofoam boxes. As they were being transferred to the aquarium, most sank to the bottom, lying on their sides. The shopkeeper mentioned that some would recover within 4-8 hours, start swimming normally, while others took a day or more. What's behind this behavior? What causes it and how can we minimize it?
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
It's not uncommon for discus to exhibit this behavior. Shipping time, inadequate packaging, and subpar preparation are just a few contributing factors. Additionally, abrupt changes in water parameters, such as ammonia or pH levels, during the transition from the bag to the tank can also cause this. Generally, properly packed discus that don't experience shipping delays rarely display this behavior.
It's not uncommon for discus to exhibit this behavior. Shipping time, inadequate packaging, and subpar preparation are just a few contributing factors. Additionally, abrupt changes in water parameters, such as ammonia or pH levels, during the transition from the bag to the tank can also cause this. Generally, properly packed discus that don't experience shipping delays rarely display this behavior.
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Shipping can be quite a stressful experience for these fish. I've come to realize that most local fish stores get their stock from wholesalers, who might have already received them from another supplier. This often leads to them being repackaged and shipped out again. I've seen some bags with barely an inch of water in them - it's no wonder they're stressed. I recall receiving adult Discus that would lie flat on their sides when I first got them. They usually take 4 to 8 hours to recover, but unfortunately, not all of them make it. I've found that increasing the airflow with the air stone seems to help them get back on their feet, or rather, upright.
Shipping can be quite a stressful experience for these fish. I've come to realize that most local fish stores get their stock from wholesalers, who might have already received them from another supplier. This often leads to them being repackaged and shipped out again. I've seen some bags with barely an inch of water in them - it's no wonder they're stressed. I recall receiving adult Discus that would lie flat on their sides when I first got them. They usually take 4 to 8 hours to recover, but unfortunately, not all of them make it. I've found that increasing the airflow with the air stone seems to help them get back on their feet, or rather, upright.
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
I've found that adding salt to the water can be beneficial in these situations. Generally speaking, I've been fortunate enough to avoid this issue myself, as I've always purchased from sponsors who take great care in shipping their fish.
I've found that adding salt to the water can be beneficial in these situations. Generally speaking, I've been fortunate enough to avoid this issue myself, as I've always purchased from sponsors who take great care in shipping their fish.
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
I recall watching a video of a seller receiving a large shipment of discus for resale. He attributed the issue to pressure in the tank. When some of his new discus exhibited this behavior, he reduced the tank water to half. This worked for some of them right away. The others were swimming upright by the end of the video.
I recall watching a video of a seller receiving a large shipment of discus for resale. He attributed the issue to pressure in the tank. When some of his new discus exhibited this behavior, he reduced the tank water to half. This worked for some of them right away. The others were swimming upright by the end of the video.
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
I recall reading about this issue. It seems to be related to osmoregulation. Adding salt can help alleviate the stress, but I've found that lowering the water level to half can be more effective. I'm not surprised you're curious about this, Dr.Ganesan - it's a fascinating topic.
I recall reading about this issue. It seems to be related to osmoregulation. Adding salt can help alleviate the stress, but I've found that lowering the water level to half can be more effective. I'm not surprised you're curious about this, Dr.Ganesan - it's a fascinating topic.
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coralCartel - Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue May 03, 2022 10:48 am
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
There are indeed multiple factors contributing to this behavior. Following the advice given, adding salt and reducing water levels could be beneficial in helping the discus recover.
There are indeed multiple factors contributing to this behavior. Following the advice given, adding salt and reducing water levels could be beneficial in helping the discus recover.
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Re: Discus fish lying on its side after transportation
Check out this video of Wattley Discus receiving a shipment of discus - you'll notice quite a few on their sides when they arrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d93c...kWattleyDiscus
Check out this video of Wattley Discus receiving a shipment of discus - you'll notice quite a few on their sides when they arrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d93c...kWattleyDiscus