"Dave Ello" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I'm feeling sick as I type this. Perhaps someone could answer the
question - how long will a mature and strong Bristlenose last attached
to a
damp rock at about 20 deg C out of the water?

snip

- Firstly, is it at all likely that he was in the rock out of the water
for
all that time and survived?

Yes, AFAIK, Bristlenose plecs can process oxygen through their gut, so
they can go a long time out of water. Their plates (sides) also delay
harm from drying out. They do get very stiff but this alone is not
irreversable.

- Secondly, he looked very tightly wedged in a very cramped spot as if
he'd
been struggling in desperation. His natural grain made it appear that
he
had no chance to get out - the only way was backwards. Can they
control
their grain and move backwards in a tight spot?

When relaxed, they can usually wiggle out backwards, unless it was a very
tight fit to start with.

- Thirdly, what should we do to assist his recovery from obvious shock,
a
possible eternity out of water (12 hrs) and injury?

Keep the other fish from pestering him. Provide a dark shelter for his
convalesing. Watch for any onset of fungus, either on the eyes, or any
patches of skin which might have dried excessively. Be ready to treat
the fungus with a mild dosage (medicinal dosages are also stressful, and
we don't want to push him over the edge with good intentions). Keep the
tank well aerated with some flow directed towards the bottom (reduces the
work on his gills, and so he doesn't need to go to the surface for a gulp
of air as much). good luck!

NetMax

I probably won't sleep much tonight and hope our little guy is OK. Any
answers will be greatly received.

Dave