pamd

I have three C. Habrosus (pygmy) corys that I've only had for a week. Last night I saw one of them very quickly and with a sort of sideways motion rub once on a marble. So far, it's the only time I've seen the behavior and since they're so darn cute I've watched them a lot.

They are in a six-gallon tank by themselves. The tank was new and fully cycled (fishless) when I introduced them. The water parameters look fine.

What does this mean? Is it something that could be contagious or could it be parasites? Or is it nothing to worry about as long as it doesn't happen much?

Meanwhile, I'm going to get some Fish Protector.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

sirdarksol

It could have just been a passing itch, or it could be the beginning of parasites.
My personal opinion is, rather than medicate, just watch the tank. If you see more scratching or rubbing, it's probably the onset of parasites (ich, perhaps). Also, read up on the freshwater fish diseases on the main page. Pay particular attention to ich, so that you know what to look for. If it is ich, there's a simple way to get rid of it that doesn't involve any meds, just raising the temp for awhile.

On a side note, by "fine", what precisely are the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate numbers?

pamd

Thank you for the quick reply. Ammonia = 0, nitrite = 0, nitrate = maybe 2. I use an AP test kit. I've read about raising the temp for ich. Do I recall correctly that it should be 82 degrees for 14 days? I don't see any ich, but want to confirm the info just in case.

sirdarksol

I'm not sure about the temp. The disease profile on the front page is wrong, according to several members here. I'll see if I can dig up the thread that has the proper info.
Otherwise, maybe on of those members will see this page and give the correct amount.

pamd

I've continued to closely observe the cory cats and have not seen the same behavior, except one of them did a little quick 1/4-turn flip on the sand substrate tonight. Is this normal behavior for C. Habrosus? I have noticed they sometimes get caught up in the (gentle) water current, and perhaps this could cause this, although they usually keep their up-down equilibrium.

They're all really busy, usually rooting around for food on the bottom, swimming into the middle part of the tank, going up for the occasional gulp of air, resting occasionally, etc. They've even grown by almost 1/4" in the nine days I've had them. I have been watching for signs of ich or other parasites and see none so far other than the aforementioned quick rub against a marble and the quick flip on the sand. Do they sound healthy? I'm really worried not just for them, but for a new betta on her way here as of Tuesday. I'm wondering if I should ask the seller to hold the betta for a few days so I can observe the corys further, as I plan to introduce her directly to the tank. Or do they sound okay and are just being corys? I've never had corys before.

Sabi

If it is ich, 82'F is fine as far as i know.

pamd

The seller of the betta very kindly agreed to hold her for a few days so I could further observe the corys. Our plan is/was for him to ship her tomorrow for Saturday delivery.

Last night, one of the Corys did about six very quick quarter turns in rapid succession near the bottom of the tank. It didn't glance against the substrate or any objects. It did this right after I had been cleaning the tank, so they were a little worked up. Should I be concerned, or do healthy Corys do things like that occasionally?

I've looked at several freshwater fish disease charts. I didn't see rubbing or glancing as a symptom by itself on any of the charts. There was always a next symptom to look for in order to lead to a diagnosis. They have shown none of these symptoms, such as visible parasites, whitish coating, loss of color, etc. They are active, eating and growing.

I don't know what to do. Should I ask the seller to hold the betta for another week? I don't want to ask him to go to the extra trouble if it isn't necessary, and naturally I'm anxious to meet the betta and let her settle into her new home. On the other hand, I don't want to take unnecessary risk with her. An option might be to have him go ahead and ship her and I could quarantine her, but it would not be in a cycled tank. (I don't think this is a good option but thought I'd mention it.)

I'd appreciate any advice.

Amorinthe

....this sounds like overprotective parent thing. If you haven't seen anything odd, your tank is on track and the fish are healthy......then everything is okay.

Maybe your cory just has a crush on that marble.

sirdarksol

When I had a cory, I saw it do little flips and turns (it would also come up to the surface to eat with the rest of the fish sometimes), so Amorinthe is probably right. Your fish are probably fine.