EdnJean

Hi all,

I have two Zebra Danio's. They were the first fish I put in my new tank along with 2 Scissortail Rasbora's. All has been good, but in the last two days one Zebra has changed his behaviour a great deal. It used to swim all over the tank, very active etc. Now it just sits under one of the plants, or inside a log. Only comes out at feeding time, and even then, not as active nor eating as much as usual.

I have 3 days ago added 3 Gourami's. Could this upset it?

Is there something wrong with it?
The other one seems fine.

Cheers

EdnJean

capekate

Hi
There can be a few things going on with the zebra's behavior. One can be that it is feeling stressed by the new fish in the tank, or getting bullied by the other zebras. I noticed your aquarium info and it shows that your ammonia is sky high and your tank is new. Did you cycle your tank before adding the fish?
They will start to feel the affects of the high ammonia level which is very toxic.
I would do an immediate water change of 50% add some prime with the new water and repeat every day til your ammonia level is at zero.

EdnJean

I have only Two Zebra's. The other is fine, and is certainly not bullying the odd one. I did cycle the tank, at least i think so.
I will change my water tonight, and monitor ammonia carefully.

Thanks

Biscato33

Hi EdnJean,

Your fish might also be a little nervous because it doesn't have enough buddies. I wouldn't add anymore fish at the moment, but make sure once your ammonia is at 0, and stable add a few more danios.

Good luck!

~ Ali

EdnJean

Hi,

I cleaned the gravel in my tank last night, and did about a 40% water change. I will do another water change tonight.

The details about my aquarium were very wrong, I got the Ammonia and nitrate levels mixed up. Ammonia is at 0.3ppm, and Nitrate at 5ppm, which whilst not at zero, is more acceptable, yes?

I had a closer look at my "odd Zebra", and have noticed his tail fin appears torn, and smaller than it should be. His swimming action is erratic, even whilst "sitting still" he has a high rate of "tail wagging". (Sorry for use of poor terminology) I have not noticed any aggression towards him from the other Zebra, nor the other fish. (I have seen my large White skirt hassling the two smaller white skirts, also my Opaline Gourami hassles the Golden one, mainly at feeding time)

Is this likely to be a result of fin nipping, or has he got fin rot. How do I tell?

How should I proceed? Should I quarantine this Zebra?

Thanks

EdnJean

Biscato33

Hi EdnJean,
Sounds like you've got yourself in quite the problem there. I would quarantine the zebra and see how he does away from the other fish. Make sure to do a water change in the aquarium, and keep a close eye on all of the other fish to see if they are developing any of the same symptoms.
If you don't see any signs of aggression from the other fish, that shouldn't be the problem.
Here's a few links for symptoms and treatment of fin-rot:
http://www.aboutfishonline.com/articles/finrot.html
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/finrot.htm
Hope your fishy gets better! Keep us posted!

~ Ali