Weird shovelnose Gills?

LimaShovel · Post by **LimaShovel** » 24 Jan 2005, 21:53

My Tiger Shovelnoses gills are folded over and been like that for a while. Is there somthing wrong or is it good.

PlecoCrazy · Post by **PlecoCrazy** » 25 Jan 2005, 06:23

If you mean flipped outward and over I have heard that happens from ammonia poisoning but could be wrong. I have seen redtails with this same problem, maybe it has something to do with tank size.

coelacanth · Post by **coelacanth** » 25 Jan 2005, 11:04

It's unclear whether this is usually caused by chronic exposure to elevated Ammonia/Nitrite levels (caused by insufficient filtration), high Nitrate, too small an aquarium or suboptimal dissolved oxygen. As these often go together it's hard to be sure.

LimaShovel · Post by **LimaShovel** » 25 Jan 2005, 21:40

I have an 80 gallon. Idont know if that is small but the nitrates and stiff i need to check

PlecoCrazy · Post by **PlecoCrazy** » 26 Jan 2005, 03:24

An 80 Gallon tank is not a permanent home for a Tiger Shovelnose. He may already be in cramp quarters.

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 26 Jan 2005, 09:24

i hate to break this to you, but that fish WILL need a tank that is well over 1000 gallons!

You will have to build a pond, or get rid of the fish. hopefully before it dies.

i don't want to sound like i'm lecturing you, but these fish are very big fast-moving predators that need lots of room.

hope it works out.

LimaShovel · Post by **LimaShovel** » 26 Jan 2005, 21:03

There is a picture of him. Go to the Weird shovelnose PICS.