I think my tetra is sick

shanna123

AC Members
Apr 17, 2009
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I have 5 cherry barbs and 5 priscilla tetras in a 29 gallon tank. They're all doing well except the one tetra. He is very pale, almost white, instead of silver and sitting in one place instead of swimming around. Just tested tank parameters: ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 5 and pH is 7.2. What could be wrong???
 
How long have you had them in the tank? Have you seen any Cherry Barbs chasing your Tetras? I don't think you need to worry about the Cherry Barbs since they are pretty docile when it compared to other barbs.
 
When I first put them in they did. But I have not seen them do it since. The tetras have only been in for 2 days.
 
That might be the problem. You've just had them for two days and they might be a little nervous and need some time to get used to their new environment. Does it show any symptoms of being sick aside from sitting alone all white? Also, aren't Pristella Tetras (AKA X-ray Tetras) usually silvery in color? I've also seen some Albinos.

Most likely he's acting sick because he's just been in the tank for 2 days. Hopefully, he'll be fine. But keep checking on him.
 
Yes, he's silvery and kind of see-through. No other symptoms of being sick. He didn't eat with the rest, but he was very lively with the other yesterday. He's not hiding though. Another one of the tetras was just chasing him in a circle and he was swimming away. Will they turn on each other?
 
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I think he just sees him as an easy target. Keep them together for a while. IF you get worried, you might wanna get him in a QT tank and get him to be stronger so he can stand up for the other fishy. Good luck!
 
I'll keep an eye on him. They're fins are black, yellow and white. He seems to be losing the color in those too. :( Poor fishy.
 
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