Red tail acting odd

[Fishowner]

I have a young redtail, about 8 months old, suddenly stopped eating, whiskers are red on the left side, and it's swimming staying more near the surface then usual. Unsure what's it's condition is. Please help

 

[tlindsey]

Have you checked your water parameters?

 

[Fishowner]

Water is good, ph and everything is looking good. The last thing he/she ate were minnows

 

[CarpCharacin]

It could have been a viral or bacterial infection that the minnows had that spread to he/she. Is the redness spreading, or just staying on the whiskers?

 

[ECW]

At first glance I looked at your pic and said what's that disgusting tumor growth in its head!!! Then I realized it was your finger. Lol!

 

[Wailua Boy]

I think they prefer to kept in the water, just kidding but seriously I usually attribute redness to bacterial issues

 

[CarpCharacin]

My guess is bacterial too. I am guessing that it came from the minnows.

 

[KNH]

I think they prefer to kept in the water, just kidding but seriously I usually attribute redness to bacterial issues

Holding him out of the water will remove slime coat and add stress, not what you want to do if he needs to fight off an infection, What is your nitrate level? Seems on the small side for 8 months. Does he eat well in general?

 

[Justin David]

I say ammonia. Post readings

 

[Fishowner]

It is the only fish in a 40G tank. Water filter and everything are good. Nitrate is fine. He started acting strange AFTER he ate minnows. I understand, that grabbing him is not the best idea or one I should have approached but i needed a pic to show what's going on. Yes he eats well. Almost anything really.