AboutRon Coleman Expertise I am an expert on cichlid fishes, particularly New World cichlids. My broader expertise includes the behavior, ecology and reproduction of fishes in general. (I am NOT an expert on Goldfish. Please do not ask me questions about why your goldfish are sick -- they are almost always sick due to the way that they are sold). Also, please do not use abbreviations, such as "my GT has a swollen
eye" because I don't know what a "GT" is. The more clearly you can explain your question, the better chance I have of understanding what it is that you seek. Thanks.
Experience I teach at the California State University, Sacramento in the Department of Biological Sciences, and I run a website, called the Cichlid Research Home Page . I also write for many popular aquarist magazines, and I am editor of Cichlid News magazine. I am a scientist and I spend my time teaching fish biology, ecology, behavior and evolution and doing research on the reproductive biology of fishes, particularly cichlids. I do research in the laboratory and in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico. My main interest is understanding the evolution of parental care in fishes. I am interested in encouraging greater public awareness, understanding and participation in science.
Organizations belong to American Cichlid Association, Pacific Coast Cichlid Association, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, etc
Publications Cichlid News, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium, Science, Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology, Copeia, Canadian Journal of Zoology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, AUK, Environmental Biology of Fishes
Expert: Ron Coleman Date: 6/10/2008 Subject: strange tetra behaviour
Question Hi again!
I doubt that you remember me. It's been a while, so let me update you about my fish. I now have 3 zebra danios, 3 cherry barbs, and a glow light tetra. I use to have 2 tetras, but 1 died instantly and the other thrived. But recently I've noticed that the tetra starts keeping away to his own little plant. Even more recently, he started "sinking" in the water. His tail sank down and he put up a fight to stay up, so he results vertical. Do you know what's happening to my poor tetra?
Thanks for all your help!!!
Kenny
PS He eats fine
PSS Before this behvior, he played well with the other fish (even the danios!). I don't think he is being bullied.
Answer Hi Kenny,
Unfortunately that doesn't sound good. It sounds like he's losing control of his ability to regulate balance. There isn't anything that you can do about that. Sorry.
-- Ron
rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>
