Cause Of Death?

[P&J]

Hello,

On Monday I picked up 4 new sterbai cories to go with the 5 I already had and 3 platties. One died sometime on Wednesday, and another was dead this morning. The first one had a blood-red patch on his side, just behind his pectoral fin. When we had gotten him home, we noticed that he wasn't using that particular fin, but otherwise appeared fine (and even swam with no trouble). The others showed no signs at all. The fish we found this morning had a similar red area, but it was more elongated back to his tail and not as dark. (The red on the first one seemed to be on the surface, or bright enough to seem that way; the second one seemed more sub-dermal.)

Ammonia and nitrite are 0, nitrate is about 20 or under (always hard to read that one!).

Bottom line: Any thoughts on what might have happened, and more importantly, when I can declare the remaining 2 safe? I'll be heading back to the fish shop tonight...

-P

 

[WILDER]

Sounds like septicemia to me. Hard to cure once it advances.
Anti internal bacteria med by interpet.
Can you issolate the sick corys as the bacterial can enter the tank water from the fish.


Septicemia



Symptoms:

Fish may have reddening at fin bases, blood streaks throughout the fins and body, small hemorrhages around the eyes. Dull listless behavior and lack of appetite may also be present.



Cause:

Systemic bacterial infection caused by various bacteria, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio. The illness is often brought on by poor water quality or as a result of parasitic infestations or other infections. These bacteria enter the blood stream and circulate through the tissues causing inflammation and damage. Inflamed blood vessels in the skin and at fin bases stand out. Blood vessel and heart tissue damage cause hemorrhaging and consequently leakage of body fluids into the abdomen, which may lead to Dropsy.



Treatment:

Water conditions must be improved for all fish in the tank, regardless of how many fish are infected. Check your water’s Treat with Kanacyn or Tetracycline as well as with a medicated food if the fish will eat. If parasites are suspected, all the fish in the tank should be treated with antiparasitic medication. Using salt to help restore osmotic balance might be helpful.

 

[P&J]

Thanks! So far so good on the remaining fish... hard to say about separating any, because none appear sick.

-P

 

[WILDER]

I would just do some water changes on your main tank for the next few days.