Neon Question

[David J. Braunegg]

A friend of mine who has been keeping fish for 20 years or more told me
never to get Neon Tetras. He said that they will eventually get Neon
disease and that it will wipe out the whole tank of fish.

If the Neons I buy don't have Neon disease, can they develop it?

Will it kill off the other fish (Corys and Platys)?

Other comments on keeping Neons?

Thanks,
Dave

[coelacanth]

My understanding is that NTD only affects other closely
allied species (small tetras). It has a long incubation period,
so you can't be sure a fish is infected. The real problem is
that one infected neon will infect all neons in the tank
and make the tank basically unusable for subsequent
neons without a major breakdown, sterilization and
cleaning. My experience has been mixed--I had one tank
where the population of neons all became ill after 3 months
and died but my kids tank has had neons for a year and
with no signs of NTD.

Bottom line--get the best stock you can from a reliable
dealer and keep your fingers crossed.

Has anyone heard of successful treatment for NTD?

-coelacanth


"David J. Braunegg" > wrote in message
...
> A friend of mine who has been keeping fish for 20 years or more told me
> never to get Neon Tetras. He said that they will eventually get Neon
> disease and that it will wipe out the whole tank of fish.
>
> If the Neons I buy don't have Neon disease, can they develop it?
>
> Will it kill off the other fish (Corys and Platys)?
>
> Other comments on keeping Neons?
>
> Thanks,
> Dave

[Harry Muscle]

"coelacanth" > wrote in message
m...
SNIP
>
> Has anyone heard of successful treatment for NTD?
>
> -coelacanth
>
>

There is an experimental treatment using toltrazuril. It's a drug used
usually on birds.

Harry




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[Matthew Clark]

> My understanding is that NTD only affects other closely
> allied species (small tetras).

Correct. Neons, glowlights, a few other tetra species, some cyprinids
(zebra danios and some barbs) and goldfish.

>It has a long incubation period,
> so you can't be sure a fish is infected.

Not to mention that many cases are asymptomatic.

>The real problem is
> that one infected neon will infect all neons in the tank
> and make the tank basically unusable for subsequent
> neons without a major breakdown, sterilization and
> cleaning.

Running the tank for several months with only fish that are definetely
not susceptible to the disease should eliminate the need for this.

> Has anyone heard of successful treatment for NTD?

I consulted several sources, and all say that there is none.
Therefore, prevention is important. Be sure to remove any dead neons
from your tank pronto.

Matthew Clark