Silver (Bala) Shark - red tinged fins

[Kitiara]

I have noticed that one of my small silver sharks has a red tinge to the base of it's dorsal and anal fins and a couple of the fins are slightly split (the ragged fins may be due to the other tank occupants) The fish is eating normally but stays in the one spot more than the other shark in the same tank (is lively enough when you show it a net though) Other than the fins the shark looks normal.

What is causing the red fins and is it a cause for concern?

nitrate 20
nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
ph 7
kh 60
gh 120
Temp 80 Degrees (unheated 15g tank - it's summer)

[Nick660]

Possibly haemorrhagic septicaemia?
http://www.fishyfarmacy.com/fish_diseases/fins.html

[Kitiara]

possible. I'll see if my LFS has any of the meds they recommend.

thanks

[deepblue101]

fungi ?

[Kitiara]

fungi ?

I doubt it's fungi - there are no signs of any external growths, the red appears to be within the fin and not on it.

I got some tetracycline in tablet form and am currently treating the tank. Since adding the meds the affected fish seems to be gasping a lot (the others are fine) I have an airstone in the tank. I think it's just a matter of time to see if the meds work (though the package didn't say anything about redosing, so I assume the meds are a once off treatment.)

[Nick660]

I got some tetracycline in tablet form and am currently treating the tank. Since adding the meds the affected fish seems to be gasping a lot (the others are fine) I have an airstone in the tank. I think it's just a matter of time to see if the meds work (though the package didn't say anything about redosing, so I assume the meds are a once off treatment.)

I would check with the manufacturer on dosage and administration. Many standard antibiotic treatments are recommended for up to 10 days.

[Kitiara]

I looked up the dosage on the net and found instructions for redosing so I did that last night. This morning there looked to be less red in the fins but when I got home from work it was dead :-( there were no other marks on it other than the red fins

[Nick660]

Sorry to hear :(

Bear in mind that if it was haemorrhagic septicaemia it is contagious so you may want to complete the course of treatment anyway to protect your other fish.

[Kitiara]

I am completing medication. so far none of the other fish are showing any signs (although one of the electric yellows has either vanished or has developed a talent for hiding, atm I am suspecting it's hiding in the plants at the back)

[ITHURTZ]

I know its to late, but balas naturally have a red tinge to their fins. All 3 of mine do and have had it for quite some time

[Kitiara]

none of my remaining bala's (nor any I have seen in the stores here) have had any sign of red on their fins, just clear or slightly yellowish depending on the size (and of course the black edging)