Is this NTD?

HI there, I'm new to the forum

My neon tetra seems to have developed a couple cyst-like things on the middle and end of his body, he also seems to swim 'drunkenly', tipping vertically before righting himself.

It seems like NTD but he schools, eats, and has retained his stripe.

Any ideas on what it could be?

Parameters, etc.:
Size: 38 gal
Tankmates: 14 other neons, 2 glowlights, 6 tiger barbs
Established/cycled, has been since ~March of this year
0 nitrate, 0 nitrite, 6.5 PH
80° F

 

Might be NTD in its early stage, or it might be injuries inflicted by Tiger Barbs.

 

Might be NTD in its early stage, or it might be injuries inflicted by Tiger Barbs.

I doubt it’s NTD. Probably a bacterial infection.

 

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it!

Might be NTD in its early stage, or it might be injuries inflicted by Tiger Barbs.

 

Species specific strain of Columnaris (False NTD)

 

It is most likely to be Columnaris because this is very common in Neons whilst NTD is rare.

You could remove it and euthanise or you could let nature take its course. Unfortunately I would not expect this fish to survive but I could be wrong.

I believe that Columnaris (as with other pathogens) lives on the fish not causing any issues but is able to attack living tissues when the immune system is not working effectively.

Although a common reaction is to take out a diseased fish to reduce infection to others I believe the reality is that all the fish are likely to have encountered the bacterium causing the disease already.

However, if they are healthy and not stressed their immune system may deal with it.

I would look at potential stress in your aquarium. For example, temperature, oxygenation, hardness, ammonia, nitrate, stress from other inhabitants (I would not think of keeping Neon Tetras with Tiger Barbs which may chase or intimidate them but I may be wrong) and whether there is an adequate retreat from danger such as plant cover.

Whether the other Neons are at risk depends on what stress is present and how virulent the disease is.

Unfortunately, diseases are promoted by the husbandry in the fish farms where the Neons are produced and more virulent Columnaris strains are favoured.

 

Species specific strain of Columnaris (False NTD)

I agree. You do see this quite often on tetras.