Long spine looks like hes callin it quits 8-(

[Flaxon-Waxon]

View attachment 120673

He looks terrible and lost almost all his spines... He hasnt been moving too much lately, been pretty much in the same 2 rocks for a couple weeks now... A couple things:

1) Why? My water is money. I acquired him when I got my live rock, and I'm assuming he is pretty old, how long do these live?

2) If he dies, will he nuke my tank?

3) what should I do? I've been on top of WC's... Haven't done anything drastic lately.

Thanks!

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Here's a pic:

 

[Jeremy S.]

He can still make a recovery! They lose spines from stress. I had mine lose all of his spines at one point when water chemistry went bad but he's regrown them and Is doing great now. Check your water for anything wrong

Also does he has ample amounts of food?

For me the little movement and loss of spines points to stress or bad water. How mature is the tank?

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

I have been checking it. 0's across the board actually, I dont even have trates ever! The tank cycled in July... I feel terrible! I don't know if it's maybe being too narrow of a tank? Maybe it's catching up to him? The 55's are only 12" wide...?

 

[willbratz]

I have been checking it. 0's across the board actually, I dont even have trates ever! The tank cycled in July... I feel terrible! I don't know if it's maybe being too narrow of a tank? Maybe it's catching up to him? The 55's are only 12" wide...?

I had mine in a 55 no problems. Is he eating? I used to feed mine algae wafers when there wasn't enough for him to graze on. The only reason I got rid of him is because he kept knocking over all my softies and just reaking havoc... Not his fault though since he really can't see what he's doing

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Yes he's eating... I can tell cuz he's shooting sand outta his butt ill throw a couple algae wafers in tomorrow and see how he does

 

[Jeremy S.]

I have 2 in my 40g breeder so size of the tank isn't the problem. He may just be ready to grow new spines or stressed for some reason. If he was sick I doubt he would be eating.

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Ok cool thanks guys... I'm actually upgrading to a 75 gallon (it's getting delivered tomorrow) I may have to wait til he improved a bit til I actually transfer tanks, I'd hate to have him stress even more...

 

[Jeremy S.]

I would set up the 75 and let it cycle and by that time you should know for sure how your little fellas doin.

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Figured I'd let ya know my long spine had lost ALL his spines 8-( ...BUT, he seems to be making a terrific recovery! Looks like all his spines are starting to grow back

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

Another update! Lookin like a stud

 

[Teakwood]

Another update! Lookin like a stud

Wow, is he actually blue?

 

[Flaxon-Waxon]

It's the lighting my phone captures, however the base of his spines are on the purple side... Poor dude almost died a while ago, he lost every spine he had... He's doing good now tho!