Neon tetra disease (also known as ‘NTD’) is an infectious fish disease caused by a parasite called Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. This parasite can be found in most freshwater aquariums and has the ability to infect neon tetras, as well as other species of fish. Neon tetra disease causes damage to their fins, eyes, skin, and internal organs, leading to death if it’s not treated properly.
Symptoms of Neon Tetra Disease
The most common symptom of NTD is the loss of color in the fish. Their skin will become pale, white, or gray and their fins can look frayed or tattered. Other symptoms include:
- Bulging eyes
- Difficulty swimming
- Rapid breathing
- Clamped fins
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
In severe cases, the fish can die from internal organ damage.
Diagnosing Neon Tetra Disease
NTD can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. To confirm a diagnosis of NTD, a veterinarian will perform microscopic examination of the fish’s body fluids for evidence of the parasite. If NTD is confirmed, treatment involves medication and changing the water environment in order to reduce stress levels on the affected fish.
Stages of Neon Tetra Disease
Neon tetra disease is split into two stages: a pre-infectious stage and an infectious stage.
Stage 1
During the pre-infectious stage, the parasite damages the fish’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infection with other pathogens.
Stage 2
In the infectious stage, the parasite multiplies rapidly in the fish’s body and causes damage to their organs and tissues.
Treating Neon Tetra Disease
Treating Neon Tetra Disease can be a tricky process, because the parasite is very hardy and can survive in the environment for a long time. The first step in treating NTD is to quarantine any infected fish and treat them with antibiotics. Once the infected fish have been treated, it’s important to change out all of the water in the tank and clean any objects in it that the parasite could have come in contact with. Finally, it’s important to make sure the water parameters of the tank are correct and to monitor the tank for any signs of re-infection.
Preventing Neon Tetra Disease
To prevent NTD, aquarium owners should regularly clean the water and maintain optimal water quality. It’s also important to quarantine any new fish before introducing them into the tank. Medications can be used to treat infected fish and reduce the spread of the disease.