Bronze Cory Help...

[The_Usual]

First of all a bit of context:

I have a 25l tank, with a betta, two corys and three neon tetras. The betta is a little bullyish, but has apparently taken exception to one of my corys. It hasn't been a problem, as my cory is fast enough to swim away whenever the betta comes near. However recently the cory has changed in character completely. He no longer spends his time swimming around rummaging under amongst the sand and sits for extended periods on the bottom. All be that a problem, it isn't the main issue...

Having come back from three weeks away (during which time my wife looked after the tank) I noticed that the cory had an injury to its face. Now, I've heard about cotton mouth, and this seems to fit the bill, but I know that this might also be down to the betta's constant harassment. Hence, I come to this forum as a humble amateur aquarist to seek your opinion... should I be treating this injury with meds, or with meds and sectioning off my naughty betta?

He's the one behind the front cory...

and...

Sorry the images aren't great quality - all we have to go on is smartphone cameras.

- The Usual

edited to fix links

 

[Cazgar]

A 25 litre tank isn't large enough for corys, tetras & the Betta
If I were you I'd separate them & just have the Betta in the 25 litre.

 

[The_Usual]

Thanks for the reply Cazgar, but I'm not convinced this issue is due to the size of the tank. It is correctly cycled and can handle the bioload. Plus the LFS have advised me that a 25l tank can handle this as a maximum stock.

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply...

- The Usual

 

[Cazgar]

Tbh Lfs often give bad advice, their job is to sell fish.
Corys need to be in a school of at least 6 to be happy, the same goes for neons.
I still think it would be best to separate them

 

[Fintastic!]

Tbh Lfs often give bad advice, their job is to sell fish.
Corys need to be in a school of at least 6 to be happy, the same goes for neons.
I still think it would be best to separate them

+1!
Don't know much about cotton mouth but I'm sure someone will be along who does.

 

[Harlequins]

A 25l tank IS too small for the growth & welfare of your corys, bronze corys can reach 3" in size.

I would say the cotton fungus started has a bacterial infection - so treating it is important,it looks quite far advanced so the cory may not make it...

Possible causes could be poor water quality ( what are your exact water readings?), poor maintainance or lack of substrate cleaning can cause corys to pick up infections...

 

[The_Usual]

A 25l tank IS too small for the growth & welfare of your corys, bronze corys can reach 3" in size.

I would say the cotton fungus started has a bacterial infection - so treating it is important,it looks quite far advanced so the cory may not make it...

Possible causes could be poor water quality ( what are your exact water readings?), poor maintainance or lack of substrate cleaning can cause corys to pick up infections...

Thanks to all for the replies so far. A quick note on my LFS attendant - he is an established keeper himself, which is why I was quick to trust his opinion, whilst clearly not being so naive as to suggest he isn't also trying to make money. Anyways...

After testing the water again with my API kit, I read Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate <5. I've done a water change since, segregated the cory and treated with melafix. Before I'd done this however (today) I separated the Betta, and within 10 minutes the little cory was almost back to his usual playful character...

Thanks for the pointers, they are appreciated.

- The Usual

 

[Cazgar]

Glad your cory is on the mend