R.I.P. Big Daddy

[JennM]

Hi all,

My male H. reidi, aka Big Daddy, died this morning.

I've had him for just over 13 months and he was a prolific breeder. In January he started experiencing pouch bloat, after a two rounds of undeveloped eggs. One clutch he expelled on his own, the second, I evacuated when the gas in the pouch started. Over time, whether related or unrelated, he developed subcutaneous gas bubbles, on head and tail, and in May I used the new Diamox protocol and the gas bubbles vanished. Several weeks ago I placed him back in the main tank with his mate, who was excited to see him again. She continued to greet him daily, although he just would sit in the same place all the while.

He stopped letting me see him eat in January. His weight fluctuated somewhat but he never appeared sickly thin. Today when he died, his belly looked appropriately full, not bulging, not skinny.

This morning, he wasn't in his usual spot, he was stuck behind some rocks in the tank. We extricated him, but he was writhing around, almost seizure-like. I placed him in a breeding net so he'd stay out of harm's way, was contemplating euthenasia, as it's painful to see a beloved pet suffer, but when I went to check on him, he was already gone.

I'm VERY saddened. If I wasn't so sentimental, I might attempt a necropsy to see if something weird was going on internally but I just can't. Not this horse.

I OWN a LFS. I see dead fish regularly, I treat sick fish regularly. I do my best but where there's livestock there's dead stock and that's just part of the way things are, and I learn to detach, or I'd mourn every specimen lost. Yet I'm teary this morning. I was very attached to this beautiful creature. I do have some nice photos of him.

Is it at all possible that he was just OLD? At time of death he had NO physical indications that anything was wrong. He was wild-caught and I've had him just over a year, so we have no idea just how old he was. He's H. reidi and measured 9 1/4 inches from the tip of the snout to the tip of his tail. I know I did all I could for him...perhaps there might be comfort in the possibility that he died of old age. At the very least, during his time with me when he was healthy, he was happy enough to bond with his mate, and they mated every other week. I learned a lot about the species from him, and I have lots of video of greeting, courting and mating...he never let me tape him birthing.

Well thanks for listening to my little self-therapy session ) If anybody has similar experiences, or thoughts, opinions about side effects of medicines etc., I'd love to hear them. Let this horse's passing also help us learn.

Jenn

Here's how he'll be remembered...

[Minnreefer]

Sorry to hear about your loss,

It is never easy to let someone/thing go, and there was nothing that could have been done for him. I have an idea on how much you cared for him.

Jon

[Doug1]

Jenn, so sorry to hear about Big Daddy, I have followed the horse reports and know how much love and care you have put into the herd. It's possible that he had reached his allotted span, who knows. Mourn him, but be mindful of all he has taught you, cherish the memories
I am glad to know there is one shop where someone can't walk in and buy a 10g tank and a couple seahorses.

[Dad]

Jenn,
very sorry to hear you lost your big hoss!!

bob and drew

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Jenn! Very sorry to hear of your loss at the horse ranch! Your love for your horse goes unquestioned! People who purchase horses from your store will be so fortunate! Johnny

[beach bum]

- sorry Jenn. He was very beautiful. When I first joined this board I loved hearing stories about the brine pots rattling. So Big Daddy brought joy to more than just you, maybe that is helpful.

[JennM]

Thanks to all

I've set him to dry...don't know why I do that but I do that with horses I've lost. However this one was special....

I had ordered more horses for the store (I have 4 that I've had for about a month...I'm getting attached!), and I had ordered 2 male Reidi, one for home, one for the store's female reidi who has 2 other males of different species aggresively courting her, but she's not terribly interested in THEM...

It's hysterical to see naturally black male horses try to lighten up to her yellow....they are very eager to please...

I'm also getting some H. erectus in, if I can achieve a pair, perhaps I'll have better luck with offspring.

Jenn

[Junkzoo]

Bummer ,Jenn,,, but sounds like he had a great life in your "keeping". one of those things my buddies at work said of people that had a long run in life,,,,,,,,"oughta be no tears here,,, sounds like a long run,,,,,," be happy, you both enjoyed the time,,,,,

[iNanodoU?]

Hi Jenn~
Even though I am new to the board, it is very obvious you care deeply for your animals. I am so sorry to hear about your seahorse. Even though I have only recently started researching seahorses, from what I gather 2 yrs is about their normal lifespan. Since this one was WC...I would guess that yes, the horse died of old age. It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you, so you should take consolation in that.
Sorry again....

[Alice]

Jenn;

I'm so sorry to hear about Big Daddy. I know how special he was to you and you made him special to all of us as well.

Alice

[Rick O]

Sorry to hear that Jenn.

[OodleyBoodely]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Jenn. I also appreciated your posts about Big Daddy and his family.

[Sailfin]

Very, very sorry to hear about the loss of one of your favorite Horses, Jenn. I know how much you care and nurture the life within your care, and I can only hope that I am half as thoughtful and loving to the creatures within my reef.

I really hope to make it over to your store someday soon and say Hi in person.

[m3rma1d]

i'm sorry about yer little guy jenn.

[cath]

OH Jenn I do understand your hurt. Take comfort in knowing that you did provide well for him.

How lucky the aquarists are in your area to have a knowlegeable and loving store owner as you.