Fish's Spine is red?

[goldenpuon]

I have 2 male black phantom tetras in a 3-4 gallon container. It has a filter and bubbler.

Anyway, yesterday when I did a water change, I noticed one of the males was very very pale but not acting sick otherwise. The other was pale too but not as much. (the tetras always pale during water changes but go back to normal after) However, his spine was red as if it was bleeding (I can't tell if this was his lateral line or spine due to him being partially see-through). However, he went back to normal coloring as soon as I was done cleaning out his home. I checked for any bends or curving abnormalities on his spine and found none.

This made me think of Lateral Line erosion. Today I checked on him and his spine area will appeared red. . When I fed the 2 fish, I saw him briefly nip at the other male which is a good sign. He was slightly lighter than the other male when I looked at him but it was still within range of normal coloring.

I have noticed one of the males in that tank hiding among the plants the past few weeks. I am not sure which one. I don't often look at the fish in the 3-4 gallon because it is on the floor and not super easy to see through like glass.

Does anyone know what this could be? Hopefully my fish is not sick.

Renee

[Carl]

Lateral Line Erosion is generally a saltwater issue

I would recommend watching this fish very closely over the next several days, taking a picture if possible.

Look closely to identify as closely as possible at your fish' anatomy to see if it maybe a a broken vessel or the spine as you noted.
Also see: Fish Anatomy

I really do not have a good answer at this time without more information or a picture (& even then this may be difficult to ID or it simply may be nothing other than easily view oxygen rich blood circulation.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

I read your article and my fish definitely does not have Lateral Line Disease. I only had a vague idea of what Lateral Line Erosion Disease was so reading your article really helped me understand more about it.

The fish's spine still seems a tiny bit reddish but not as much as before and it doesn't have any more symptoms of disease/illness. Getting a picture would be hard due to the fish's small size and also the less-red spine now.

Perhaps the color change is just from the fish paling that time temporarily or because it is see through partially. I am not saying the fish is for sure, OK. I am just thinking with what you told me and the fish not seeming sick since I first noticed this, it is probably fine.

I'll be keeping an eye on it and post if I notice any more problems. Thanks for the help Carl.

Also, know a bit off topic, I'm very glad you are doing better by the way after the kidney stone. Hope your recovery is going well!

Renee