ADVICCE NEEDED! platinum tetra dying?

jlthomson33

Just noticed one of my platinum tetras lying on its side at the bottom of the tank when I got close to the tank its swam off but then went back to the bottom of the tank.... He looks very skinny compared to the other platinums.

I've tested the water and its the same as always: nitrate 0, choride 0, hardness 4, temperature 24 degrees celcius, pH 6.0. The other fish (tetras and corys) all seem fine.

This is probably a stupid question but is there any hope for this platinum or is it on its way out?

Byron

I can't offer any remedies, as I've no idea what this might be. If it is the only fish with any abnormality, and all the others appear normal and are eating, I would let nature run its course.

Treating the entire tank for various things is not wise. Removing this fish to a separate tank would be better, but then you need to know what to do. I usually net out a fish that obviously is soon to die and destroy it. It is highly unlikely it will recover.

jlthomson33

Thanks Byron. My husband netted the poorly fish and popped it in a bowl of water. We had a look at him and he was very thin, almost flat. My husband euthanised him because he was clearly dying. It just seems so strange, I can't understand why its happened. At least the other tetras and my lovely catfish are well.

Byron

Fish die, from who knows what internal issues (cancer, liver disorder, kidneys, heart...) there may be from birth or caused by something here or there. It's only when a pattern emerges in the tank that you need to carefully explore issues for possible treatment.