Shubunkins

[BeansMom]

As you probably now know, I lost my Trigger Friday night. If not for Amanichen's grace under fire, he may not have had as long as he did, and I am thankful. My question here is, Adolph (Trigger's companion) became very stressed and depressed immediately (me, too ) and started darting all over the tank and then became listless. I took Trigger to my local tropical fish guy (the best expert I have other than Amanichen), and he assured me that Trigger died of organ failure and not a communicable disease. He suggested Adolph, at his ripe old age of 9, would need another companion to calm down. I consulted my goldfish book, and determined that another feeder fish rescue wouldn't have a chance against Adolph's aggressive feeding, so I decided on (2) Shubunkins. My book decribed them as active and aggresive feeders also. Well, Adolph has perked up (after an hour of cowering in the corner of the tank) and started "driving" them. I have read this is normal behavior with a male and females. The pet store said these were females (I'm glad HE can tell!). As a reminder, this is a 20 gallon tank, with a hefty power filter (AquaClear 300), and a large pump w/airstone. To be safe, I gravel vacuumed 25% of the water, and replaced all the plants. Adolph is a Common Goldfish around 6-6-1/2 inches long. I guess what I'm asking here is for Amanichen's blessings - or a total trouncing (if that's what's needed). And, a suggested schedule for replacing the water (that is still full of Kanacyn - but probably isn't a bad idea). This, of course, assuming I didn't put you to sleep with my ramblings.

[amanichen]

As you probably now know, I lost my Trigger Friday night.

Most goldfish are lucky to see nine days, or even nine months. Nine years is a very long lifespan for your typical goldfish. Of course it's nowhere near their potential lifespan, but for a fish with a history of internal health problems, nine years is a long time. You should feel good knowing that you were doing things right if he went nine years =)

and he assured me that Trigger died of organ failure and not a communicable disease.

May I recommend seeing this person in the future if you ever need a good pair of eyes to make a diagnosis with? Since it's difficult for you to get pictures, this person may be prove to be very helpful should you ever need a diagnosis that requires the physical examination of the fish. If this person is as good as he sounds, then he can be an invaluable resource.

Well, Adolph has perked up (after an hour of cowering in the corner of the tank) and started "driving" them. I have read this is normal behavior with a male and females.

It's pretty normal behavior. It also may be partly due to the fact that he thinks that the tank is his because he's been established in it.

I guess what I'm asking here is for Amanichen's blessings - or a total trouncing (if that's what's needed).

Unless the planets were aligned, and gravity forced objects apart, I couldn't ever see you doing anything that I'd "trounce" =)

The only thing I would have done differently is: wait a few days and do water changes before getting the new fish, that way instead of going through what's effectively two acclimations, they would only have to go through one.

For water changes, the safest would be 25% every other day, for a total of 5 water changes (You can count the one you just did as the first one as one if you want.) After that you should be able to go back to your normal water change routine. Make sure you put carbon back in the filter ASAP to help get rid of the med. Change this new carbon in a week, because it will have been saturated.

[Rachel]

amanichen said:

Most goldfish are lucky to see nine days, or even nine months. Nine years is a very long lifespan for your typical goldfish. Of course it's nowhere near their potential lifespan, but for a fish with a history of internal health problems, nine years is a long time. You should feel good knowing that you were doing things right if he went nine years =)

I agree Beansmom; you really did an excellent job with his care and should be proud of how well you were able to maintain him throughout his life. Best of luck with the new setup.

[BeansMom]

You are both so kind...I will proceed with second partial change tonight. New carbon went in on Sunday, and I have (2) in reserve, so will replace again this coming Saturday. And you are right, my local guy is who I lean on, when I'm not leaning on you!

[BeansMom]

I thought everyone might be interested in how my new ladies and Adolph are faring. The girls, while they are goldfish, are very different personality types than Adolph. They are very active swimmers and seem to be everywhere at once. While Adolph likes to "muscle" his way through the filter flow, the girls like to ride it. They have already learned who I am, and at which side of the tank the food comes. Interestingly, they seem to prefer to feed mid tank, while Adolph is definately a bottom feeder. They are getting along so well, that when I took at peek at them last night after lights out, they were flanking Adolph and sleeping together. I have learned that Shubunkin is a Japanese word meaning "red with colors", and that the more dark pigment they display, the more valuable they are. From what I've seen displayed as good coloration, my girls are right up there. Sheba is white, red, orange and black, with a little splash of purple. Shilo is very orange with a great deal of black and a tiny bit of white. Adolph has been redubbed as Sir Adolph the Common, with Sheba and Shilo (Shubunkin, of course), as his ladies in waiting. While Adolph and I miss Trigger terribly, the sheer joyfulness of the ladies (you should see them "tail dancing"), has won us both over.

[amanichen]

Glad to hear =)

[Rachel]

Sounds like the sight to see! I'm glad to hear that things are working out well and that Adolph is fond of his new tankmates.