Serpae Tetra Not Good!

[Scrappy14]

Hi everyone,

I recently came home from a trip yesterday (trip was only 3 days) and found that one of my Serpae's was looking abit out of soughts. He wasn't moving much and when he did, he would tip upside down and swim around erractically out of control, and he still does. I've put him in a quarantine tank, just to make sure my other fish don't contract anything, if it's contagious. I've observed the Serpae and can see no signs of fungus or bactieria on the outside, i did think though his gills were looking a little popped out than usual, as well as his eyes, but i can't be too sure.

I tested the water and everything was fine, and the temperature is normal as well. My other Serpae (the dominant one) is healthy and active, but this one, I fear I'm losing him. I used to have 3 Serpae's but at the end of last year, (the dominant one at that point) fell down in the heirarchy and i noticed he had a Popped out eye, he ended up dying within a few days and now after 2 months this one is sick.

Obviously I'm assuming it's something to do with his swim bladder, as he can't stay upright properly, and occasionally flips upside down and then corrects himself again. Oh, and he's not eating either.

I also put some Multipurpose bacterial treatment in the tank, but I don't know if that's even working becuase I don't know what's wrong with him in the first place.

Any help would be great, as I'd hate to lose another one.

Here are links to images of the Serpae

Serpae

Serpa2

Serpae3

 

[This Old Spouse]

Could it be fin rot? I noticed on the third photo his tail looks quite raggedy.

 

[Scrappy14]

Could it be fin rot? I noticed on the third photo his tail looks quite raggedy.

I did think of that at first, but wasn't sure, as my dominant Serpae tends to nip the other ones fins making him look really shabby.(I've seen him do it )

 

[jacko32]

from the 1st picture and what the symptoms are i would say its a swim bladder problem you could try feeding it some peas but if its not eating your best bet might be to treat with 1 of the over counter meds !

 

[KittyKat]

Either fin-rot, as seen in the 3rd photo, or more likely, just beating each other up. If your tank is big enough, you really should have 6+ of them as they fight a LOT if in smaller groups and fish can die from the stress of constant fighting.

 

[jacko32]

3rd picture just looks to me like other fish have had a go at its tail while its been sick its been a target for other fish especially if its in with other serpias

 

[Scrappy14]

Thanks for helping out everyone, but unfortunately the little guy is on his way out. Just lying on the bottom on his side. That's my 2nd Serpae in 2 months, I only have 1 left now, definetly need to get some more.