Cardinal Tetra

[coolwade]

Hi,

It looks like my Cardinal Tetra is going to die.

The fish came up with black internal dots on the rear blue part of his body which after I added some salt (small amount) to the water seemed to improve and the marks turned white, then this morning the markings turned pink. Does this sound familiar to anyone? If so can you let me know how to treat/prevent.

Wade

[Fishskin]

Neon tetra disease usually has light areas in the blue streak so sounds somewhat like it. This is a fatal, contagious disese which can also affect fish other than tetras ( and tetras other than neons) Although, as usual, you can read a lot of stuff on the Web, most feel it is not treatable and best to remove the fish.

[coolwade]

I went to the Pet Shop last night and brought some new anti biotics, the guy is using me as the guinea pig so I will see how it goes. The product (name is at home) has not yet been released in Australia.

Wade

[guppies]

correct if i am wrong, cardinal tetra are wild life fish they don't have tetra diesase, only neon or other tetra.
i usually call the fish store ask them if they have a shippment of cardinal in and if they say yes, i will go and take a look and wait and wait as long as i can for a week or even 2 weeks before i buy,
but people like buying them even they die so easy.
I have 60 cardinals in a 100 gal tank since Jan. 2003 only 1 is dead and i have another is a diff. tank all by himself might going to die. they stress out very easy, so set them into your tabk as soon as possible, and don't feel them the first day. they might live well, check and change water all the time is the more imprtant things.
good luck !