How Long Can A Saltwater Fish Survive In Freshwater?

[Nonuser]

Turned on the lights this morning on my old tank and was off. Was in Hamilton and got back home around 4ish.

I had a 5 gallon pail with about a gallon of freshwater in it for topping off the tank on the floor in front of the tank.

I look in and my lawnmower Blenny was laying in there! How long? Maybe up to 6 hours? Could have been over night even wasn't paying attention in the morning. I quickly dumped him into the new tank. Maybe I should have dripped him? No idea. He isn't moving around too much but doesn't look like he's dying?

Anyone have any experience with having a saltwater fish in freshwater for hours?

 

[Pistol]

ya you should have acclimated him back, i'm not sure how long he can last but i know they are pretty tough fish.

 

[Pistol]

for sure he would be dead if on the floor

 

[Nonuser]

Wasn't sure if being in the fresh longer was better than just being shocked by being put back into salt.

I've had him almost a year and he was super active an personable. I didn't think lawnmower were jumpers! Thought he was shamu had to clear an inch of glass.

 

[Pistol]

mine swam on the carpet quite a few times, usually the dog that found him.

 

[Kevin Tran]

Between that 6 hour, for all we know it could just jump just before you came down or 20min or 30mi or 15min ect you get my point. I don't know for sure, but if he is in fresh water for 6 hour than mind as well be a fresh water fish

 

[Kevin Tran]

I don't even know if fresh water fish can be in ro water up to 6 hour, they need certain in the water to live and ro is pretty clean

 

[Nonuser]

Well he finally came out looking for food, so he might make it. But if he tries jumping again I doubt he'll be so lucky. Silly bugger

 

[Chemical guy]

lucky fish

 

[BigReefer]

mine swam on the carpet quite a few times, usually the dog that found him.

I my dog found my too ...

well the first one ... then second one not so much lol