Opinions please on my aged Rummynose Tetra

Hi everyone,

i have 2 Rummynose Tetras that I was gifted almost 2 years ago by a family getting out of fish keeping. These two settled really well in my 20 gallon tall & socialized nicely with my existing group of Cardinals & Glowlights. The 2 years I’ve had them they’ve always been healthy & happy.

Recently I’ve noticed this guy & the change in his body shape. His belly does not appear bloated or enlarged, rather he appears to have skinnied out behind his belly. He is also not swimming normally.
But he is trying to stay social & eating.

Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

The previous family had him & his tank mates for several years & he & his buddy came to me in great condition.
(Trying to add a video I took of him swimming but it does not give me video options.)

 

This is, IMO, likely old age. I don’t think you should euthanize yet, however, it the fish appears to be in pain, or it can’t keep up with the school and spends most of it’s time alone, I would probably say to euthanize it.

However, weather you euthanize or not, the fish probably won’t make it much longer. I’m sorry for your imminent loss.

One thing I would look out for, though, is bullying. Maybe I have the most aggressive tetras ever, but mine (Buenos Aires, a more aggressive species) spent half their day fighting amongst themselves. If one ever became sick/old in the slightest, they would pick it clean in less than 3 hours. Definitely be on the lookout for bullying.

 

Hi everyone,

i have 2! Rummynose Tetras that I was gifted almost 2 years ago by a family getting out of fish keeping. These two settled really well in my 20 gallon tall & socialized nicely with my existing group of Cardinals & Glowlights. Yhe 2 years I’ve had them they’ve always been healthy & happy.

Recently I’ve noticed this guy & the change in his body shape. His belly does not appear bloated or enlarged, rather he appears to have skinnied out behind his belly. He is also not swimming normally.
But he is trying to stay social & eating.

Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

The previous family had him & his tank mates for several years & he & his buddy came to me in great condition.
(Trying to add a video I took of him swimming but it does not give me video options.)

Hi everyone,

i have 2! Rummynose Tetras that I was gifted almost 2 years ago by a family getting out of fish keeping. These two settled really well in my 20 gallon tall & socialized nicely with my existing group of Cardinals & Glowlights. Yhe 2 years I’ve had them they’ve always been healthy & happy.

Recently I’ve noticed this guy & the change in his body shape. His belly does not appear bloated or enlarged, rather he appears to have skinnied out behind his belly. He is also not swimming normally.
But he is trying to stay social & eating.

Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

The previous family had him & his tank mates for several years & he & his buddy came to me in great condition.
(Trying to add a video I took of him swimming but it does not give me video options.)

This is, IMO, likely old age. I don’t think you should euthanize yet, however, it the fish appears to be in pain, or it can’t keep up with the school and spends most of it’s time alone, I would probably say to euthanize it.

However, weather you euthanize or not, the fish probably won’t make it much longer. I’m sorry for your imminent loss.

One thing I would look out for, though, is bullying. Maybe I have the most aggressive tetras ever, but mine (Buenos Aires, a more aggressive species) spent half their day fighting amongst themselves. If one ever became sick/old in the slightest, they would pick it clean in less than 3 ho

Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it.

It's going to be hard on the other one when he goes, (and hard on me too) as they are a bonded pair. They have been so lovely to have in my tank, if this is the temperament of Rummynoses then I would never hesitate to get more of them.

I'll keep a close eye on him & if he deteriorates further then I will euthanize him.

 

. . . Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

Contrary to popular belief, old age isn't all bad.

 

Hi everyone,

i have 2! Rummynose Tetras that I was gifted almost 2 years ago by a family getting out of fish keeping. These two settled really well in my 20 gallon tall & socialized nicely with my existing group of Cardinals & Glowlights. Yhe 2 years I’ve had them they’ve always been healthy & happy.

Recently I’ve noticed this guy & the change in his body shape. His belly does not appear bloated or enlarged, rather he appears to have skinnied out behind his belly. He is also not swimming normally.
But he is trying to stay social & eating.

Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

The previous family had him & his tank mates for several years & he & his buddy came to me in great condition.
(Trying to add a video I took of him swimming but it does not give me video options.)

Hi everyone,

i have 2! Rummynose Tetras that I was gifted almost 2 years ago by a family getting out of fish keeping. These two settled really well in my 20 gallon tall & socialized nicely with my existing group of Cardinals & Glowlights. Yhe 2 years I’ve had them they’ve always been healthy & happy.

Recently I’ve noticed this guy & the change in his body shape. His belly does not appear bloated or enlarged, rather he appears to have skinnied out behind his belly. He is also not swimming normally.
But he is trying to stay social & eating.

Could this simply be old age rearing it’s ugly head?

The previous family had him & his tank mates for several years & he & his buddy came to me in great condition.
(Trying to add a video I took of him swimming but it does not give me video options.)

Contrary to popular belief, old age isn't all bad.

I guess it depends on the ailments one experiences.
In my husband’s case, his body is so achy & falling apart from decades of farm work & being a locksmith / safe cracker / mover.

 

I guess it depends on the ailments one experiences.
In my husband’s case, his body is so achy & falling apart from decades of farm work & being a locksmith / safe cracker / mover.

I've done my share of farm work and construction work also, and have my share of aches and pains, but I still say it has some benefits. For example, once in a while I'll do something that only needs to be done every few decades, and I'll think to myself "I probably won't ever have to do this again."

 

I've done my share of farm work and construction work also, and have my share of aches and pains, but I still say it has some benefits. For example, once in a while I'll do something that only needs to be done every few decades, and I'll think to myself "I probably won't ever have to do this again."

That was me recently, going to Canada’s Wonderland amusement park with my kids & riding the huge coasters with them.