Help! My Neon is turning white!

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May 4, 2004
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One of my Neon Tetras is floating at the top of the aquarium, still alive, but he's turning white in his midsection. Oh, God, the filter water just hit him and sent him to the bottom. He acts paralyzed, and is now floating back to the top. I just took him out and put him in a glass with tank water. He's definately not going to live. Anyone recognize the symptoms? All the other fish are fine. The tetras were picked on (tail fins nipped) when I put them in last week, but they have hiding spots to get away, and all seemed fine. I have a couple each of strawberry tetras, zebra danios, platys, serpae tetras, and painted swordtails. Plus several neons. All the fish are small. Thanks for any suggestions. Also, I have to put this little guy out of his misery. Humanely. I heard vodka in the water? He's floating upside down, still barely hanging on. I don't want to do it!
 
Search on Neon Tetra Disease--I'm not 100% familiar with it, but I know loss of color is one symptom.
 
Thank you, OrionGirl, I will check it out. The above fish did die, and now I notice one more is missing. And I mean totally missing. I moved ornaments around, shined a flashlight in dark spots to make him glow, but nothing. He's missing in action.
 
What else is in the tank? Most fish--including tetras and primary herbivores--will consume dead fish quickly.
 
To be on the safe side I would have a sample of your tank water tested to make sure there isn't any ammonia or nitrites in the water. Neons can be sensitive. Take a sample to your Local fish store and most will test for free.

I would also suggest doing a water change, 30-40% or so. It can't hurt and can help.
 
Thanks to all of you, I did do a water change and took out all the decorations, except the plants, to wash. Just a while ago I checked out the tank, and there's the missing fish. I'll never figure this one out! Amazing, especially since I took most of the stuff out to clean. Anyway, all the fish seem healthy, but I will get a water test done to be safe. I am so mystified as to where that little guy hid for so long, especially in an almost empty tank during cleaning. Oh, well, some things in life stay a mystery. Thanks again for your help.
 
I lost a platy in a 5 gallon tank and it took me almost an hour to find it. They are good at hiding, alive or dead.

You didn't clean the decorations with soap did you?
 
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