Interfecus Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 Can a calcium deficiency cause fish to develop spinal defects when they're already fully grown? My grandparents have a tank where two fish have bent spines that seem to have developed recently. One female guppy has had a downward bent spine for a while now, suffering very few ill effects. Normally, I'd just assume that this was just a chance thing which can occur anywhere, but another fish in the same tank (a platy) now has a horizontally bent spine and is having a bit of trouble swimming. Last time I saw it this fish appeared perfectly normal. Could this be due to a deficiency of calcium or some other chemical from the water or food? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Interfecus Posted February 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 They are currently being fed on Vitapet "Tropical Fish Flakes Premium Mix" and Wardley's "Total Tropical Gourmet Flake Blend". They are in a 60L tank with a small eheim power filter. There is a thin gravel layer on the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 I don't know about calcium deficiency but do know female guppies can develop a bent spine with age so I guess platies can too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 I think TB causes bent spines too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herefishiefishie Posted March 2, 2004 Report Share Posted March 2, 2004 Could be Enviromental problems, Injury(though I doubt in this case), Fish Tuberculosis, vitamin deficiency or parasite infestation. Take your pic. Frenchy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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