our new tetra

Question
2 weeks ago we added a flame tetra to our 29 gallon aquarium.  I have noticed that it poops constantly.  It's white and stringy and gets really long.  We also have 2 other flame tetras(had them for 5 months) that are not doing this.  These two are bigger and stick together a lot but the new one is really small and stays off by itself.  I check the water every week and everything there is fine. Could this fish be sick or could it just be a baby that maybe poops a lot? Why would it stay off by itself? It also eats fine.

Answer
Hello Brandy-

It sounds like your new fish has some sort of intestinal blockage. Try feeding it a pea to help dislodge anything that may be stopping up your fish's system. Skin the pea and cut it in half or in thirds, and drop it into the tank - It's fine if the healthy fish eat the pea, but be sure the sick one gets a few nibbles. Feed your fish one pea a day for three days, but don't add any of the regular food.

It may be "hiding" from the others because it feels vulnerable; once it is healthy, it should start interacting and exploring more.

Hope this is useful,
Amber Worman