1st Rescue: Help Needed

[puppyrjjkm]

Just picked up my first rescue, Phoenix, a tiny "brown" CT. He is extremely mal-nourished, skinny, gill flukes are puffed out, not flaring but not flat, and his body has a little "crink" in it. Also he has large pectoral fins but the other fins seem unproportional.He may have a little SBD too since he has trouble turning around. So he is in a 1 gal (hospital tank) with gravel and everything, he's just sitting on the gravel. What do you guys think I should do? It seems to me all I need to do is provide clean water and food, I don't think medicine is necessary at this point. But do you guys have any advice? I would really appreciate it. Thanks! Pics will come later as well.

[Adastra]

You should put him in a larger container that can be heated. Being cold in the pet store is probably a major source of his issues.

[Maryrox247]

Well, like you said keep the water extra clean. Make sure the water is 80 degrees maybe even 82 degrees all the time and give him 4 pellets once a day. (or 3 pellets in the morning and 2 at night) maybe add some salt to his tank? good luck with your rescue!

[Miss Jinkx]

The "crink" in his body is the result of malnutrition most likely. Pellets one day and blood worms the next might help him.

[sjones]

keep the water level low so he can easily get air, a small tank is fine for now, do daily water changes
how do you know he's malnourished exactly? Might the crink and trouble moving be SBD, in that case it would be necessary to fast him for a few days.
I can't tell though, photos would help.