Maybe a deformity in one of my newborn fry

[Aussie_Bristle]

Hi all

I have found one of my newborn fry with a bit of a bow in their little spine. The little guy just sits at the top of the fry tank while the rest of them swim around everywhere. It does swim and but seems to move it’s whole little body to swim though. Do you think he/she was born with a deformity and what should I do?
He/she is a lot skinnier then the other babies, but I did see a little poop string so I presume it’s eating.

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

@Colin_T can you look at this for me please

 

[Colin_T]

its a fish with a curved back, euthanise it or keep it, the choice is yours

 

[Aussie_Bristle]

Would it survive if I keep it. And would I be creating more problems growth wise etc if I kept the little guy?

 

[seangee]

If you were a commercial breeder the answer would always be to cull it. Do nothing and it will probably live a normal life. This includes breeding and means any genetic defects would be passed on. As Colin says the choice is yours. It sounds cruel but if you leave them in a few generations you could end up with more deformed fish than "normal" ones.

 

[AbbeysDad]

+3 I breed Swordtails and culls go into the turtle tank where they live out their life, or become food. @Colin_T and @seangee are both correct. You can leave it to live out it's life, and hope it doesn't breed or you can euthanize (e.g. with clove oil). The choice is yours.