The case of the missing neons

[gadazobe]

About a year ago I had 12 neon tetras Over the course of the year I have lost 6 They're in my community tank - water parameters are good 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, >5 nitrate - I never find a body coz they most probably get eaten. Today I noticed that another one seems "of colour" literally - he seems to be getting darker - the bright red streak is dark red, his white/silvery bits are dark grey :what: What's happening to them? Any suggestions? It's making me :grumpy: and I feel like :cry:

 

[Davy Reynolds]

It could we be getting annoyied by the other fish.

Could you tell us the fish you have

 

[gadazobe]

I have a 180 Juwel and the following fish: 2 dwarf gouramis, 3 sailfins, 6 corys, 4.5 platties (.5 is a juvi) 1 pleco, 5 guppies and 2 swordtails, 1 femal betta and a few assorted tiny fry. I know I'm a bit overcrowded but I do water changes of 50% a week and they have lots of hidey holes and plants to shelter in. (anyone that wants to get rid of their fish brings it to me and I can't refuse - can I)

 

[Great Lakes]

You are describing what happens to me every time we get neons. Bit by bit, they dissappear. Never could figure it out.

 

[cichlidmaster]

Guess I'll take a stab at this. Neons and the such are not my specialty, but I'll try.

50% water changes a week are a bit much for neons. They prefer a lower Ph and softer water. Could be the problem. Try cutting back to 20% twice a week and see if they don't respond to that.

Also could be neon tetra disease. Is the fish showing a spot or blemish just below the lateral line ( mid body stripe)? The disease is believed to be caused from an infection by sporozoans belonging to the genus Plistophora.

As of this time there are no known cures or even prevention for the disease.

Neon tetras are notorious for this.

Lastly...could just be their old. Life spans of neons are only a few years and there is no telling how old they were when you bought them.

Hope this helps

Larry