About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
Question I have a white mickey mouse platty. It started to have a hunch back, and it was swimming very weird. It isn't as lively. What does he have and is he sick and how do I get him better? thank you and I hope you can answer my question very soon. I don't want to lose him. jd
Answer Hi JD
I would suggest quarantining the fish asap. There's several diseases out there that have a symptom of a curved spine. One is fish TB, which can be transmitted to humans if you have open sores on your arms/hands. Now, you don't mention other symptoms that also usually go along with that disease-wasting away/sunken belly, sores, etc. So I don't think that's what you're dealing with, but still make sure you wash your arms/hands thoroughly after messing with the tank-and definitely don't if you have any sores on your arms/hands. and, fish TB isn't all that common....just so you don't freak out about it, just be aware of it.
Another possibility is neon tetra disease-which is not specific to neon tetras. But again, you don't mention other symptoms-commonly a white/pinkish area on the back in the muscle tissue.
It could be a genetic thing that's happening.
Or, it's possibly from an improper diet. The only thing that is somewhat curable, is the diet, and sometimes increasing the vitamin C will help, as well as mixing up the types of food you feed the fish. All fish benefit from a varied diet. So you can try that and see if the fish improves any. Otherwise, I'm sorry to say, I don't think there's much hope of him making it. I'm hope I"m wrong, and good luck!
