sophie wrote:

is there any reason that one rasbora out of a group of seven has
remained the same size as when I bought it around six or seven weeks
ago? The rest have grown, developed nice deep bodies and have fantastic,
glowing red colours. This one has stayed tiny, and recently has taken to
hiding under a piece of driftwood at the bottom of the tank, poking his
nose out then drifting backwards. (S)he's very washed out and has
clamped fins a lot of the time. Respiration normal.

water - ammonia nil; I'm assuming nitrite is nil because the tank is
well established and everything else seems fine; nitrate between 12.5 &
25, according to the kit. Water due for a change.

The fish comes out to eat, which I find reassuring, and colours up a
little after a meal, but it doesn't school with the others. I'm
wondering if it's the runt, gets picked on by the others, and doesn't
get enough to eat...

any ideas?

many thanks.

I'd guess the fish has a parasitic infection in his/her gut and isn't
getting enough nourishment. Do its droppings look normal, or are they
stringy, slimy, or yellowish? You could also try feeding some live
foods or switching brands of prepared food in case it's a nutritional
problem.

--
__ Elaine T __
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