Pale Neon

DanielaMarie

Hey everyone!

I have a 10 gallon tank with 5 neon tetras, 4 panda cories and a betta that I've just moved back up to school yesterday. When placing the fish in the tank after the move they were all a pale color after the almost 8 hour car trip. Today they've all gained their color and are acting perfectly normal except for one neon who's entire body is still pale and he's staying at the waterline in a corner by the filter where there's little to no current. The tank is fully cycled with 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and 0 nitrates and is kept at 78F with Amazon Swords and Anacharis. Does anyone know what might be wrong with him? They showed no ill signs when I brought them home a month ago.

Thank you.
DanielaMarie

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Byron

He is in a bad way, though I am not sure exactly what. It may have been injured during transport, this can easily happen from fish nets. Aside from the pale colour, there appears to be a red streaking near the front on the silver area, which would be blood under the skin. Diseases can do this, as can water issues, or injury.

There is no point in adding medication since we don't know the issue and with characins and corys any medication is going to be stressful so it should not be added without very good reason. I would just keep an eye on this neon, but I wouldn't hold out hope of a recovery. This is more than just mere stress.

I would also lower the temperature a bit. Both neons and the panda cory are cooler water fish than many tropicals, and 75-76F will suit them better; at higher temperatures, the fish is having to work harder just to live, and that is also stressful. The Betta will be OK at this lower temp.

On the Betta, have you seen any signs of aggression toward any of the neons? I honestly don't think that is the issue here, but if it is present it would add stress which makes any other issues even worse.

Byron.

DanielaMarie

Thank you Byron. I'll lower the temperature and keep an eye on him for any changes.

They all get along great and mostly keep to their own kind.