Sick Cardinal Tetra

[Suleika]

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Tank size: 80 x 35 x 45cm 125l
pH: 6.5
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 10ppm
kH:
gH:
tank temp: 26°C

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior): We noticed a while ago that one of our Cardinal Tetras had a white mark on the side of its face, however the fish continued to behave normally and the mark disappeared after some time. About a week ago we noticed a white mark on the "nose" of another fish (or possibly the same one) and since then it has also developed a kind of cyst or bubble underneath its head and a white mark on one of its fins (see image below). It continues to behave normally (still eats, shoals) and only one of the fish is affected.

Volume and Frequency of water changes: 50% once a week

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank: API Stress Coat and JBL Ferropol dosed weekly during water change

Tank inhabitants: 3x Hypancistrus Zebra, 4x Apistogramma Agassizi, 6x Corydoras Sterbai, 16x Cardinal Tetra

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration): Limnobium laevigatum and Taxiphyllum barbieri from The Green Machine

Exposure to chemicals: none other than above

Digital photo (include if possible):

 

[Blitz]

This isn't much help, but I'd remove it into a hospital tank. Just incase whatever it has is contagious.

 

[Suleika]

Thanks Blitz! Anyone got an idea what the problem could be? Maybe some type of fungal infection?

 

[KittyKat]

The prolapsed anus is usually an indication of internal bacterial or protozoan infection. For this, the whole tank should be treated as all fish are likely to be infected, and be careful as some medications kill the filter. I've never had to treat these myself, so cannot recommend any specific medication.

The bulge under the neck I cannot explain. The white stuff on the mouth is likely a wound or fungus and should heal with time and medication. To prevent infection/cure fungus, I recommend eSHa 2000, but keep in mind that medications usually cannot be mixed and the above problem is considerably more serious.