Black tetra that's swimming lopsided

[ms_yew]

Hi all,

I have 2 praecox rainbow, 7 cardinals and 4 blacks in my 14 gallon tank. I noticed that 1 of my black tetras was swimming lopsided but it resumed normal swimming occasionally, especially during feeding time.

Today it is swimming lying down! i have no idea what is wrong! All other fishes are fine except this one. It swims normal during feeding time and it has been eating well.

Anyone know what is ailing my fish?

[jbeining75]

Hard to tell what are all your water perameters. Doesn't sound like a water problem though since only one fish. Hmmm... is he eating. Some times they bloat and flip. I hate trying to keep tetra. They are nice tanks but a pain to manage at times.

[Lady Hobbs]

It has swim bladder. Most likely will not get better. Sorry

[hpt84]

As hobbs said, it is mostly the swim bladder. The swim bladder control the balance of the fish. A few year ago I notice that on my one of my neon. The next day he/she was motionless on the gravel.

[NickFish]

Swim bladder, not much you can do for him.

[gm72]

Agreed about swim bladder disease.

As an aside, that is any awful lot of fish for a small 14 gallon tank.

[ms_yew]

ok thanks. i'll read up on that.

btw, is it infectious? do i need to quarantine it?

[gm72]

Not infectious, no need to quarantine, but glad you are thinking correctly!

[~Erik3.8.07~]

yep agreed, keepin your water really clean and im not sure if medicated food helps or not but that would be about all you can do, sometimes it improves, sometimes it doesnt.

btw, your tank sounds like its overstocked, i'd consider upgrading if i were you

[NickFish]

I believe its a genetic disorder, not sure though, but definetly not contagious.

That is quite a bit for such a small tank. All the fish you have listed like to be in schools of 8 or more, which isn't possible for that sized tank.

[gm72]

Swim bladder isn't usually genetic. Here's an interesting flow sheet:

http://www.fishyfarmacy.com/fish_diseases/swim_bladder.html

...and a detailed article:

http://www.petfish.net/articles/Bettas/swimbladder_betta.php