Neon Tetra Disease
Caused by the microsporidian parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. Primarily affects neon and cardinal tetras. The characteristic bright blue stripe fades or turns white. No known cure, the name is misleading as other fish can contract it too.
Check these symptoms in your tankSymptoms of Neon Tetra Disease
- Faded or lost color
- White cottony patches
- Swollen/bloated abdomen
- Lethargic / hiding more than usual
- Fins clamped against body
- Swimming sideways or upside down
How to treat Neon Tetra Disease
- No effective cure exists for neon tetra disease
- Euthanize affected fish humanely to prevent spread
- Remove and discard any dead fish immediately
- Observe tank mates closely for 4+ weeks
- Do not add new fish to the tank while outbreak is active
How to prevent it
- Buy high-quality tank-bred fish from reputable sources
- Strict quarantine protocol for new tetras
- Remove dead or dying fish promptly, transmission via corpses
Conditions with similar symptoms
Caused by a dinoflagellate parasite. Appears as a fine gold or rust dust on the fish. Highly contagious and fast-moving, often fatal if not treated immediately.
Fluffy white or gray cotton-like patches on body, fins, or around mouth. Often secondary to wounds, fin rot, or poor water quality.
The most common aquarium disease. Caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Looks like salt grains on the fish's body and fins.
Not sure? Use the symptom checker
Many fish diseases look alike. Pick the symptoms you see in the free fish disease checker to compare likely causes, or scan a test strip to rule out a water problem first.