Injured tetra

[WolfPup522]

I have a 29 gallon tank with 4 Buenos Aires tetras, 3 Scissortail Rasboras, and 3 Otos. This morning I found one of my tetras has what I can only describe as a "bite" taken out of her right side. The injury is red and has a very tiny flap of scales hanging from it. She is still swimming normally, but is breathing a little heavier.

All of the tetras have been moderately aggresive with each other since I got them, but have never actually hurt each other. They leave the Rasboras and the Otos alone (the Rasboras and Otos have never shown any aggressive behavior).

Does anyone know what it could be (other than a bite)? Is there anything I can give her to help her heal? I've become very attached to my tetras (long story) and I don't want to lose even one of them. Thank you for your help!

[OrionGirl]

Any decoration in there with sharp edges? Any place where a fish could become stuck--between an object and the glass, for example? Of course, the usuals, like how long has the tank been up, recent test results, maintenance regime would be helpful.

[WolfPup522]

The only decorations in the tank are 2 smooth rock formations with large openings and plants (live and artificial). I think she's too big to have gotten caught between the filter intake or the heater and the glass. I forgot to mention that she's a pretty big Buenos Aires tetra - about 4 inches (all of my tetras are between 3.5 and 4 inches long).

As for recent water stats: The only thing I can remember specifically is the PH was neutral. Everything else was fine, but I can't remember numbers at the moment. I clean the tank and do a partial water change every 2-3 weeks and currently, it's been 2 1/2 since the last time.

The tank has been up for years, however I got it from my friend's former boss (it was filthy and almost overcome by algae) several months ago with the 4 tetras included. I nursed the water back to health gradually and the tank has now been healthy and stable for about 6 months. I added the other fish about 3-4 months ago.

[OrionGirl]

Could be that they tetras were extra feisty and injured the fish. If the fish is behaving normally, I would monitor for infection, make sure she can still eat, that the other fish are not increasingly abusive, and let it go. Fish are pretty tough, and a minor injury is easily recovered from if there is no secondary infection.

[WolfPup522]

Thank you so much for your help!

One last thing - if she does get an infection, what meds would be good for her and should I put her in a seperate tank during treatment?

[OrionGirl]

If she gets an infection, there are a number of options--the best will be to find an antibacterial medicated foods. This is where the medication can work best, rather than being absorbed (dubious effectiveness) via the gills and scales. Treating in a separate tank will help, in addition to protecting the fish from tankmates. If you are unable to find a medicated food, the antibiotic treatment can destroy your beneficaial bacteria colonies, so you'll definitely want to move the fish in that case.

[WolfPup522]

Thank you! Thank you!

[WolfPup522]

Update - She's doing much better now. She did have a little infection by the time I got home that day so I used MelaFix (I couldn't find any antibacterial food). The MelaFix cleared it right up. She seems to be healing fine now and doesn't appear to have any lasting effects, with the exception of being a little less aggresive at feeding time.

Thank you again for your help!

[OrionGirl]

Glad to hear she's recovering. That's for letting us know!