Serpia Tetras

[lal tetra]

Can anyone help me please. I have just noticed one of my serpia tetras is swimming around in tank with its mouth continously open. I can't see anything lodged in mouth. All the other fish are fine.

 

[nmonks]

Do you mean serpae tetras? if so, be careful what you add to the tank. These are notorious fin-nippers.

Anyway, it sounds like the fish has either swallowed something too big or else dislocated its jaws. Either way, with a fish this size there isn't much you can do. You can try and net the fish and close the jaw manually, but if there is some damage or obstruction, this could make things worse. For now, just keep an eye on things, Is it able to feed? If so, no problems, but if not, then potential problem for obvious reasons.

Cheers,

Neale

Can anyone help me please. I have just noticed one of my serpia tetras is swimming around in tank with its mouth continously open. I can't see anything lodged in mouth. All the other fish are fine.

 

[lal tetra]

Thanks for your reply much appreciated.

 

[nmonks]

No problem. Good luck. Those were my first ever fish... way back in the early 80s when I started keeping fish. They're hardy and colourful, but do be watch how they get along with other stuff in the tank.

Cheers,

Neale

Thanks for your reply much appreciated.

 

[lal tetra]

No problem. Good luck. Those were my first ever fish... way back in the early 80s when I started keeping fish. They're hardy and colourful, but do be watch how they get along with other stuff in the tank.

Cheers,

Neale

Thanks for your reply much appreciated.

Did notice when I first set up my tank of tetras the neons did have their tails nipped. Couldn't see which fish was doing it. All settled now and neons tails are fine. Only this one fish is upsetting me. Still swimming around healthy enough but can't close its mouth.

 

[nmonks]

That would be the serpae tetras. Sometimes they do settle down, but if you add something new, like a catfish or loach, suddenly the balance goes off and the nipping comes back.

Is the injured fish eating?

cheers,

Neale

Did notice when I first set up my tank of tetras the neons did have their tails nipped. Couldn't see which fish was doing it. All settled now and neons tails are fine.

 

[lal tetra]

I don't think the fish is eating, swims towards food but haven't seen it consume any. Its colour is starting to go greyish around mouth today.Still swimming around well.Wouldn't like to think it is going to suffer. Do you think I should leave it to nature.?

 

[nmonks]

This sounds like the tissue is dying. Not good. My gut feeling is that this fish isn't going to get better and should be destroyed. Possibly this would a good time to take the fish out in a net, and gently feel the mouth. See if you can close it manually. Maybe you can click it back into position. Otherwise, I fear it's time to bring out the clove oil and put the animal down humanely.

Leaving to nature isn't much fun and in this instance would probably mean a death by inches.

Neale

Its colour is starting to go greyish around mouth today.Still swimming around well.Wouldn't like to think it is going to suffer. Do you think I should leave it to nature.?

 

[lal tetra]

Thanks for your help. A bit upsetting to do. Will get someone to help me tonight.

 

[nmonks]

Be gentle with the mouth of the fish. Maybe use a toothpick or needle or something small like that. Apply minimum force. Good luck!

Neale

Thanks for your help. A bit upsetting to do. Will get someone to help me tonight.