Neon Tetra losing red color from tail???

[Sumpin'fishy]

One of my Neon Tetras has lost a bit of the red color near his tail. I have heard that NTD is a whitish area in the blue section below the dorsal, but the fish looks fine there. It is only getting pale (whitish) in the red area. No physical damage is evident, and no stress lately to speak of. Any ideas?

All water quality issues seem to be fine (haven't changed since they have been in this tank ~9+months), and the other fish, including the other 5 Neons are looking fine! The Neon in question is eating and acting just fine, btw.

 

[elgecko]

I just had the same thing happen 3 weeks ago to some of my neons that I had for 1 1/2 to 2 years. I did not change anything in my tank either. I lost 4 that the red got pale. No idea what happened.

 

[Sumpin'fishy]

Anyone have any input? I can't believe that it's an age issue (like getting old and going to die), since some of mine are fairly young (about 1 year old).

 

[tricksterpup]

I believe this what is called Neon Tetra disease, and from what I hear it can not be treated.
The best thing to do is put the fish down.

http://www.planet-pets.com/newsarticles/neontetradisease.htm

http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/neondisease.htm

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/hdntd.htm

http://www.erdingtonaquatics.com/treatment5.html

I hope this helps
jim