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One of our cardinals is not looking so good. He looks very thin, like he hasn't been eating, and his face/head almost look bloated to us. We're not sure if this is because his body looks thinner or if his face/head really have swelled up.

We just got back from a long weekend and will separate the sick fish tomorrow. In the meantime I took some photos, hopefully they came out well enough for you all to see.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish2.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish3.jpg

In this photo he's with the other cardinals, you can see how different he looks...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish4.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish5.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish6.jpg

These next three are the clearest shots I could get...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish7.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish8.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k16/PanClan06/Fish9.jpg

Our tank: 45 gallons
7x Cardinal Tetras 7x Black Neon Tetras
7x Glowlight Tetras 2x Ottos 2x Ghost Shrimp 3x Spotted Corys 3x Panda Corys

We separated him just a few minutes ago, he doesn't look so good. I'd be surprised to find him alive tomorrow morning. To me it seemed silly to separate him at this point, hopefully he hasn't already infected anyone else, and I also thought of the other fish picking at him after he'd passed.

Not sure why he became sick or what he has, maybe I could bring him to the fish store after he's gone, they might be able to tell what the problem was.

Our tank: 45 gallons
7x Cardinal Tetras 7x Black Neon Tetras
7x Glowlight Tetras 2x Ottos 2x Ghost Shrimp 3x Spotted Corys 3x Panda Corys

I think sometimes an internal parasite can make a fish look emaciated. But I am not super skilled at parasite identification.... someone should be along shortly.

Twas a good idea to separate the little mite.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Thats more than just emaciation, hes got some body warping there, and that is well within the remit of diseases like fish tuberculosis and some of the protozoa that can affect the nervous system. If you look closely at the top of the head there is some surface scarring , probably tubercles. Take a looky at the disease profile.Its certainly not out of the question that the fish may suffer from multiple complaints as both protozoa and the mycobacterial group are reknowned for decimating a fish's immune system. Id start with metronidazole treatments and go from there, but that particular tetra probably wont survive. The others may yet survive with thorough treatment though.

http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/profiles/d100012.htm

I agree I dont think he will survive I personally would put him out of his misseries. Now for the other fish I would use Melafix to help reduce thge stress and follow LHG recommenditions. An old trick if it is TB for cardinalds is to raise the temp a few degrees for at least two months. But in your case it could be several concerns. Finally afterr all the treatment you might have to use some charcole in your filter and certainly dont buy any fish for at least two months after you have finished all the treatment.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

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Keith

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He's still alive, surprisingly. He's not swimming too well, though. I put food in his tank hoping he'll eat it when it sinks to the bottom. During lunch today I'll stop at the pet shop and pick up Melafix, see if that helps.

So far the other fish all look fine & healthy. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Oh and thank you for the help.

Our tank: 45 gallons
7x Cardinal Tetras 7x Black Neon Tetras
7x Glowlight Tetras 2x Ottos 2x Ghost Shrimp 3x Spotted Corys 3x Panda Corys

He's still going, but he won't eat. I actually held a flake to his nose, hoping he'd nibble, but he wouldn't. Poor thing can barely swim, I feel so bad for him.

The guy at the local pet shop said the symptom definitely seems to be parasitic from my description. I'm not really sure if the fish's back is arched or if it just appears that way because his stomach is sucked in. I forgot to mention the little scars on the head.

The fish guy told me he has pellet medication but if the fish is not eating there's no hope for him. He didn't think the Melafix would help and he didn't recommend putting medication in the other tank if the other fish seem fine. Honestly I agree with him on that last part, I'm not one to medicate prematurely whether it's with the fish or the cats or my son.

When you say "put him out of his misery," how do you propose we do that? I hate to see him suffer but I can't bear to crush him myself and neither can my husband. Flushing him or letting him suffocate also seems too cruel.

I didn't know it would be tough keeping fish... my cats have been around for 13 years, we've had these little guys over a year and have lost 5 (now it will probably be 6) already!!

We're going to keep a close eye on the other tank, at the first sign of trouble we will take action.

Our tank: 45 gallons
7x Cardinal Tetras 7x Black Neon Tetras
7x Glowlight Tetras 2x Ottos 2x Ghost Shrimp 3x Spotted Corys 3x Panda Corys

I agree that all those methods of ending his life are cruel. I felt the same way so I adopted the freezing water method. I stick a glass bowl of water in the freezer until there is a thin layer of ice on top then break the ice and insert the fish. I think this is the most humane way but others here may have some better ideas. I would definately get rid of him before he infects everyone else in the tank since the experts above do not think he will make it. Sorry for your trouble.

"Talk is cheap. Action can be almost as affordable"

Thank you for the suggestion, Kunzman. The little guy passed away last night. We took him out of the "hospital tank" and will bury him tonight.

We did separate him from the others right away, and so far the others seem fine. We're all keeping a close eye on how they look as well as their feeding & swimming habits.

Next month we plan on buying a bigger tank, we had to wait a while since we'd just bought a new house. Before we put any new fish in the tank we'll wait and make sure there is no illness.

The guy at the pet store made me feel good, he thought it was great that we were trying to save a $2 fish. I told him they are living things and they are my son's pets, of course I'd try to save them!!

Our tank: 45 gallons
7x Cardinal Tetras 7x Black Neon Tetras
7x Glowlight Tetras 2x Ottos 2x Ghost Shrimp 3x Spotted Corys 3x Panda Corys