Neon tetra tuberculosis vs birth defects

fishbone · 02-13-2008, 07:09 PM

About 8 months ago I got 6 neon tetras, they were almost mature but still growing. I have one that has a bent spine and also if you look at it from the top down, looks crooked like an S shape. The neon has been like this for a long time, honestly can't remember for how long. I always dismissed it as a birth defect and was glad to have and care for the little guy which would have possibly been discarded otherwise as "bad stock".

Well ... I was reading another topic and came across talk of bent spines and tuberculosis and I'm a little concerned. I will try to take a picture which will be darn tough, but how can I tell if it's a defect or disease? This oddball neon is perfectly fine from what I can tell, shoals with the others, has a BIG appetite like all the other 5, nice live coloration, no clamped fins, swims and acts just like a regular neon. I'd say that if it was TB, the other neons would have died or showed symptoms by now? This tetra has been like this for at least 3 months.

What do you guys think?

Later edit: found an image. Looks almost just like this guy, except for a more apparent curved spine.

Ricker · 02-13-2008, 07:16 PM

Mine is also like this. I always thought it to be a birth defect.

emc7 · 02-13-2008, 08:26 PM

I've heard it also can be from poor nutrition early in life.

fishbone · 02-14-2008, 11:40 AM

He definitely ate this morning, I shone a flashlight as my tank lights were off at the time [on a timer] and I think I also noticed something that looked like cataract on one of his eyes, the light was bouncing back white. I looked at the other neons but none seemed to do have that going on.
I'm definitely watching this little guy like a hawk now ... Like I said, he acts perfectly normal. Couple of his buddies seemed to inspect him but never chased him or anything. They do that to one another often

I'm going to dismiss it as birth defect unless I see:
-clamped fins
-lack of coloration
-isolation
-lack of appetite

Those are pretty much signs of sickness, no?

**TheOldSalt** · 02-16-2008, 11:10 AM

Yep.
Is yours as obesely fat as the one in this picture? That alone can account for some curvature.

fishbone · 02-16-2008, 06:27 PM

Yep, mine is kinda on the obese side.

02-13-2008, 07:09 PM	#1
fishbone Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 415	Neon tetra tuberculosis vs birth defects About 8 months ago I got 6 neon tetras, they were almost mature but still growing. I have one that has a bent spine and also if you look at it from the top down, looks crooked like an S shape. The neon has been like this for a long time, honestly can't remember for how long. I always dismissed it as a birth defect and was glad to have and care for the little guy which would have possibly been discarded otherwise as "bad stock". Well ... I was reading another topic and came across talk of bent spines and tuberculosis and I'm a little concerned. I will try to take a picture which will be darn tough, but how can I tell if it's a defect or disease? This oddball neon is perfectly fine from what I can tell, shoals with the others, has a BIG appetite like all the other 5, nice live coloration, no clamped fins, swims and acts just like a regular neon. I'd say that if it was TB, the other neons would have died or showed symptoms by now? This tetra has been like this for at least 3 months. What do you guys think? Later edit: found an image. Looks almost just like this guy, except for a more apparent curved spine. __________________ My YouTube aquaria videos Last edited by fishbone; 02-13-2008 at 07:14 PM.

02-14-2008, 11:40 AM	#4
fishbone Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 415	He definitely ate this morning, I shone a flashlight as my tank lights were off at the time [on a timer] and I think I also noticed something that looked like cataract on one of his eyes, the light was bouncing back white. I looked at the other neons but none seemed to do have that going on. I'm definitely watching this little guy like a hawk now ... Like I said, he acts perfectly normal. Couple of his buddies seemed to inspect him but never chased him or anything. They do that to one another often I'm going to dismiss it as birth defect unless I see: -clamped fins -lack of coloration -isolation -lack of appetite Those are pretty much signs of sickness, no? __________________ My YouTube aquaria videos Last edited by fishbone; 02-14-2008 at 11:42 AM.

02-16-2008, 06:27 PM	#6
fishbone Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 415	Yep, mine is kinda on the obese side. __________________ My YouTube aquaria videos

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need Help With Names Of Fish For Website	Ice Prince	General Freshwater	11	10-17-2007 11:11 AM
HELP!! my first case of ick? 4 neon tetra all dead. :(	fishnewb	Diseases	1	05-19-2007 11:29 PM
Neon tetra disaease	tomaquar	Beginner Freshwater	2	04-04-2007 02:22 PM
Neon Tetra missing an eye?	Alin10123	General Freshwater	2	02-01-2006 09:58 AM
Health Problem - Neon Tetra!	Chazwick	General Freshwater	10	08-27-2005 12:31 PM

Members currently in the Chat:0
	Users In Chat Room: There are several users in chat now! Don't Be Shy - click here and come on in!

02-13-2008, 07:16 PM	#2
Ricker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Age: 19 Posts: 514	Mine is also like this. I always thought it to be a birth defect.

02-13-2008, 08:26 PM	#3
emc7 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Johns Creek, GA Posts: 3,277	I've heard it also can be from poor nutrition early in life.

02-16-2008, 11:10 AM	#5
TheOldSalt Darth Ichthyos Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4,355	Yep. Is yours as obesely fat as the one in this picture? That alone can account for some curvature.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)