Red dots/wounds in fish's torso

[goldenpuon]

My last surviving black phantom tetra (I got her around December of 2009 or January 2010) appears to have several red circles on her body. They are behind the black stripe black phantoms have around their gill cover and on her body cavity.

She is in a 2 1/2 gallon with a heater and hydro sponge #1 filter. She is in with no other fish and the temperature in her tank is currently 76 F. The tetra appeared a bit stressed and is definitely afraid of me (she has been quite skittish for a long time now).

I admit due to being very overwhelmed and busy with numerous matters, I did not do a water change for her for a whole month or more during which she was the only fish in the tank. I cleaned it last week however. Also, during the time I did not do a water change though she needed it, I tested the water quality and all the levels were fine(nitrate 20 or less if I remember). However, there appeared to be some decaying food on the bottom at least 1 1/2 weeks that I failed to clean up until I cleaned the tank. At the moment, her tank is spotless.

Once again, I apologize and feel terrible for my lax care of my fish. Due life outside (quite a few traumatic things and big events are going on for me right now) my fish hobby getting in the way of properly caring for them and keeping them, I am not getting new fish as my current old fish die. It is not fair to the fish that they are not getting optimal care like I used to give them. However, I want to figure out what is going on with my tetra and give her the proper care to help her recover.

Thanks.

Renee

[Carl]

Renee;

First to not feel guilty about being busy, this happens to all of us.

Second, I would start with a water change, adding salt at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons, adding a Wonder Shell (regular)

If possible, a Fish Baths at least once per day for a few days, otherwise a treatment with Kanaplex in the tank would be a good idea

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Renee,
Sorry for your losses. I know the feeling of not being able to put effort into something that needs it. It seems unfair.
I was just thinking you could cover your tank to help with stress. It's not much, but it might help.

Devon

[goldenpuon]

Thanks for the support! It has been rough but I've been OK and adjusting to it a bit. I cover most of my tanks fairly often (not this tetra's though)-whenever the fish are significantly stressed or likely to be from a big event. I'll try that with the tetra! Excellent idea!

Renee