Dead Compressiceps...

[KarEn]

Lost my last compressiceps today....  pretty sad. I had 3 of them and first two died about 1.5 years ago at the age of ....approx 8-9 years old. Didn't think that was their end of life. The one that died (yesterday?) was a happy camper. Not sure what caused his death. All I noticed today is a furry thing kicked back and forth by the jets in the fish tank. Is that possible that strong current would cause the death? Why there was such a furry coating all over the fish when he died?

Thanks...

[White Lightning]

My guess is that he did not die yesterday. Normally if they get furry it's because they have been dead more than a day. I would do a good water change'

[KarEn]

I did about 50% water change that day and then another 30% today. I do regular water changes.
I think I know why it died... I saw a 5 inch julie ornatus with ripped off top lip...  he is alive, but badly injured. No other fish is injured, so I have to assume that there was a fight where the compressicep lost the battle. Too bad...  Hate when this happens.

P.S. It's not possible that he was dead for more than 2 days. I watched them all 2 days before that happened.
So, my question still stands - why they get so "furry"? What is that furr?

Thank you in advance!

[taim_30]

Hi,

You can have growth occur in one day depending on the water quality.  Sounds like it has been dead a day and the decomposition was happening at a normal pace.  I had the same happen to a OB Mayladia a few years back.

As far as the cause, fighting is probably the reason if no other fish is showing signs of disease.  The torn lip as you say is definitely a sign of that.