Bala Shark in bad shape, need advice!

[kaylaxo]

I recently left and stayed at my friends for a weekend so my grandma was left to feed my fish. They didnt eat through a whole night and morning but were fed the following night. When i came home i realized they were in bad shape, with my bigger bala shark, who is about 5 inches. He had a big part of his right side with scales missing and it was bloody looking. The blood has cleared up but now theres a piece of skin or something hanging off. The scales appear to be healing, but im wondering. Could this be the other ones nipping at it? and what should i do?

 

[kaylaxo]

k well since no one's replying ill just let him die lol. It's pretty much too late to help him anyways. I know I haven't given all info. that I should have but even suggestions would have helped. Thanks anyways..

 

[Tivaala]

what else do you have in the tank? have you ever seen any signs of aggression? and is there anything sharp in the tank/ around the top? sharks jump well...
can you see if its definately flesh hanging off or could it be a parasite?

 

[dkpate]

Make sure you keep the water really really clean. I have no experience with bala's, so I am not much help.

 

[kaylaxo]

I know it's deffinately flesh hanging off and my red-tailed is nipping at it now so.. it's in rough shape and I am keeping the water really clean

 

[dkpate]

Is there any way you can separate them until he's healed?

 

[kaylaxo]

I wish but i have nothing else that he would fit in otherwise id have to go and spend money

 

[fishboy444]

To save a life I would spend money on a another tank

 

[mellawson]

Go buy a rubbermaid container, cheaper than a new tank.

 

[sliderfish]

Sounds like he probably got startled and swam into something sharp. Balas spook easily and if it was quiet in the room for hours and then a noisy grandma turned on the lights they will dart away quickly, sometimes into things.

I had a clown loach have a similar problem, but he didn't hang around as long as your bala has so I can't really give any life saving advice. sorry...

 

[Tivaala]

that wound is only going to get worse with the other fish around. anything you can use to QT him - bucket/tub, temporary partition in the tank...
not only will they not leave him alone but sharing water with them is going to increase the chances of infection.