Fish Seizures?

[Seaboy_HPT]

I know this sounds weird, but that is the only way I can describe it.

I have a long horn cow for over a year now, eats like a pig, very people friendly always comes up to the front of the tank whenever someone enters the room.

Anyway, I went to feed him the other day and it was as if he had gone crazy. Was ramming into the side of the tank, trying to attack his reflection, darting very fast, expanding his tail, and backing away from me in fear. Did not even go after the food. Then 5 minutes later, he was back to normal is if nothing happened. He has done this odd behavior twice now in the past 10 days.

Anyone have any idea what this could be? Anyone ever see this in another fish?

 

[Juanfer]

usually when they see their reflection they act like if there was actually another individual from his own kind, so they act like if they were trying to intimidate the other fish!!!!

 

[Seaboy_HPT]

I get that, but its odd that he just started doing that after about 2 years in the same tank. Why would he act like he suddenly dosent know me? Or suddenly be afraid of me then later like nothing happened.

 

[LakeEd]

From inside your tank, all outward views are transparent, not mirrored. That mirroring effect only happens when looking into the tank from one side, the side that is 90degress off that appears to us only as a mirror. From inside, it is the same to your fish as looking out the front or back of the tank.

 

[jakleen]

i do not think it has anything to do with reflection. my longhorn (a baby and an adult,in seperate thanks) they started doing the same thing . they were eating very well too,unfortunately they both died. i do not want to be barer of bad news. i do not say the same will happen with you longhorn. but i will really check the water paremeters very very fast . good luck. jakleen

 

[class clown]

strange.. just strange.. I'd love to see a video.. not sure if you ahve a digital camara and can catch it doing it, but man.. I'd love to see it.

 

[Seaboy_HPT]

jakleen,
Both your cows did this in seprate tanks and they died? I check my water all the time and everything looks good except Nitrates a little high. Since you suggest checking water, is that what you determined the probable cause in your case? If so what was out of wack? What were you feeding them, I wonder if that could be a possable cause too. Maybe we can figure this out.

I do have video equipment, but its alwasy spir of the moment. If I do catch it on film, not sure where I can upload for free, I have never done video upload on the internet.

 

[class clown]

oh.. video upload on the internet is fun..

I use www.youtube.com

it's not mine, but here's an example of someone's tank they put online:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTE5lKXYUO8

 

[marinegeek101]

Ya my Toby puffer does the same thing! But not very often and he is perfectly healthy

 

[steve-s]

Please provide some history about the fish care in the past two years as well as your set up and tank mates. Please also post the numbered results for all tests you have a kit for.

Have you added anything wet/used to the tank in the last 6-8 weeks?

Once you've done the tests I would start with a series of large water changes with well aged/aerated SW. About 20-25% every other day for a week. This can often help with things amiss with water quality that tests kits cannot pick up on. I would also add some )or replace existing) carbon in a high flow area of the tank/filter. This will add a second step of protection from introduced contaminates.

 

[Seaboy_HPT]

Thans Steve-s, dont think its a water problem, that was some elses post. I actually just did a big water change even though everything tested out ok. I have a protein skimmer, UV, Live Rock and Sand as well. No used stuff added to the tank. Only new thing is a small 2" starfish I can not identify orange with brown spots but not a chocolate star.

I did add some Calurpa a while back which they unfortunatly ate. but that was about a few weeks ago. Othe tank mates are a Yellow Tank, 3 chromis and a clean up crew. Other fish all act and look healthy.

I have not seen it since this post, will keep you guys updated if you are intrested.

 

[steve-s]

Thans Steve-s, dont think its a water problem, that was some elses post. I actually just did a big water change even though everything tested out ok.

I do not mean to imply you do not know what's good or bad but without knowing these numbers, I cannot rule out that as a potential contributor. Please put my mind at ease and post those results.

I have a protein skimmer, UV, Live Rock and Sand as well. No used stuff added to the tank. Only new thing is a small 2" starfish I can not identify orange with brown spots but not a chocolate star.

Was the star purchased from a tank containing or connected to fish?

Check here for your star's ID...
http://wetwebmedia.com/seastars.htm

I have not seen it since this post, will keep you guys updated if you are intrested.

The cowfish disappeared