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Post by parker002 on Oct 17, 2014 15:41:59 GMT -5
I'm down to just 2 remaining Colombian Red/Blue Tetras. Today I noticed that one of them looks VERY ragged. I'm guessing the larger one is beating him up incessantly and I just didn't notice. However, I also noticed some strange discoloration. This time it's not fish turning white like last time, this guy is turning BLACK. Here's a pic of him next to the larger "normal-colored" fish.  And here's a pic of him that more clearly shows that his scales are turning black.  |
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Post by Carl on Oct 17, 2014 15:53:38 GMT -5
Have you seen the healthy Tetra bother the weak one?
How long have you had these tetras? The lifespan is only about 3-5 years.
This may be just a fish damaged from "abuse", but I have observed this with tetras that are sick or old (or both old and sick)
IF age is the issue, little can be done.
You can separate the weak one into a breeder net. Giving him a Methylene Blue bath along with sulfa medication may help him too
Carl
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Post by parker002 on Oct 17, 2014 15:55:40 GMT -5
They're anywhere from 3-6 years old at this point. I got some of them before we moved and some of them just after (we moved here in July 2010).
I'm guessing it's old age. I'm prepared to let him go, I just don't want him "infecting" my angels.
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Post by Carl on Oct 17, 2014 15:58:15 GMT -5
While not likely since I believe age is the issue, especially since they have been slowly dropping off and the time frame in which they were brought into the aquarium, quarantining or even euthanizing him may be a good option.
Carl
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Post by Carl on Oct 17, 2014 16:00:37 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 10:40:52 GMT -5
Hi Parker,
I agree with Carl. I have seen this in various tetras and some rainbowfish. From all of my online research, I figured it was kidney/liver failure -- and/or decreased oxygen uptake in the blood/cells. I am not an expert, though (smile). I am impressed you had them so long - well cared for fish!
What I do is put the fish (if small enough) in my breeder net (I don't breed...I just have two of these so I can isolate fish when necessary). I put a piece of artificial plant in there too. Larger fish, I put in a large net. I continue to feed the fish. When the fish stops eating, I put him/her down with clove oil. Most of the time, I wait until the fish "tells" me it is time for him/her to go (smile).
Thanks Carl for posting the link on fish's lifespan. I have seen one list that gives neon tetras up to 10 years. I want to know where they find neon tetras that live 10 years (grin). I have purchased neons that don't even survive a 45 minute drive (housed in a 5 gallon bucket with plenty of oxygen).
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