Neon tetra acting very weird

I have 11 neon tetras.
Ive had them for a month.
One of the tetras has a spine deformation. Until yesterday he seemed fine and was acting normal. Since yesterday he hasn't been eating and today he started to stray from the school, he hides in a plant while being vertical and he tries to surface from time to time. He also seems to have difficulties breathing. Nitrates are at 10ppm, nitrites and ammonia at 0. Is this goodbye or can i still save him?

 

Hi there.
A spine deformation typically suggests what they call “Neon Tetra Disease”
If he’s not staying with the school, not eating properly..you need to immediately remove him from the aquarium. This disease is not usually curable at this stage, if I’m correct in my diagnosis, but it is very contagious. You still have a chance to save your other tetras but after removing the affected individual you need to keep a very close eye on the remaining 10.

 

So im guessing I have to euthanize him now?

 

Hi there.
A spine deformation typically suggests what they call “Neon Tetra Disease”
If he’s not staying with the school, not eating properly..you need to immediately remove him from the aquarium. This disease is not usually curable at this stage, if I’m correct in my diagnosis, but it is very contagious. You still have a chance to save your other tetras but after removing the affected individual you need to keep a very close eye on the remaining 10.

I am replying again to clarify because in your original post I’m realizing you said he’s vertical etc..
As soon as any of your other tetras display signs of separating from the school, not eating, any discoloration or patchy spots..these are all symptoms and should not be taken lightly.
Unfortunately, this disease has become very common with the neons and can affect other fish in your tank as well. It’s given them a bad rep recently because they were once very hardy and now have been so inbred that they’re suffering from a lot of disease related issues.

So im guessing I have to euthanize him now?

I have a hard time ever recommending this because I know it’s difficult to do.
Do you have a hospital tank set up by chance?
Any pictures?

 

I can set up a small one.
I read about the diasease, i have to add, he came with the spine deformation and hes quite the opposite of restless, he is very lethargic

 

I’ve experienced the disease myself and whilst they do have bursts of sporadic swimming, they will become lethargic towards the end.
I will say that from your information, I wasn’t 100% sure of the diagnosis. Without pictures, it’s hard to know for sure. Any other behavioral changes with the other 10?

I can set up a small one.
I read about the diasease, i have to add, he came with the spine deformation and hes quite the opposite of restless, he is very lethargic

There is the chance that it could be columnaris as the two are commonly mixed up in neons.
If you can start treating the currently affected fish separate from the tank mates with an antibacterial medication and his symptoms improve, then it is not NTD.
If his symptoms do not improve, you need to move forward with treating the whole tank for the infection.

 

I noticed one other tetra is swimming funny and keeping a little bit of distance.
How do i treat the tank? With what?

 

I noticed one other tetra is swimming funny and keeping a little bit of distance.
How do i treat the tank? With what?

Before treating your whole tank, I’d suggest trying anti bacterial meds(IE;Maracyn) on the two affected tetras first. This will at least clarify if you are in fact dealing with NTD.
I’m hoping you’re able to save the majority of your group by removing affected ones immediately from here on out.
Along with removing those two fish, I’d recommend doing a large water change.

Before treating your whole tank, I’d suggest trying anti bacterial meds(IE;Maracyn) on the two affected tetras first. This will at least clarify if you are in fact dealing with NTD.
I’m hoping you’re able to save the majority of your group by removing affected ones immediately from here on out.
Along with removing those two fish, I’d recommend doing a large water change.

API Melafix is a good option available at most pet stores.

 

Update.
One probably died, i cant seem to find it nor was he eaten (was near the tank since he disappeared, searched the entire tank but didnt find him)
Removed 2 of the tetras, one is bloated, the other has some difficulties stayed balanced and was a bit stray. Both showed agression toward other tetras.
Ive added a pic, the one at the bottom is the bloated one, pic quality is bad but its the best i can get.
P.s did a 50% water change a few hours before removing the 2, the 3 might still be there, should i do large water change again? Dont want to stress my fish for no reason

 

Keep your eye out for the guy that went missing. Easiest way this disease is spread is thru them consuming the dead bodies of infected ones.
I hate to tell you this, but at this point..they very well may start “dropping like flies”.
Be adamant about removing any ones that show strange behavior.
Did you get anti bac meds? Does your QT tank have filter/heat?
Even if they pass away, we still want them to be comfortable.

Keep doing large daily water changes, this may stress the fish a little but not more than them getting a disease and dying would. Clean water is key here.
Make sure you change the water in your QT tank in accordance with instructions on meds.