Question
Hello,
I`m in the UK. I have a very large pond with mixed fish including Orfe of all sizes. One small Orfe always had a buckled tail from young and has grown to about 6" OK ...but swims with a slight struggle because of the tail. I`ve now noticed that another Orfe of the same age and size has now developed a badly buckled tail `all of a sudden` and is OK but looks uncomfortable swimming. In both cases the back third of the body and tail is in a promounced `S` or `Z` shape.  Is this just an injury ?  Is it diet ?  Is it tail disclocation ? Should I catch the two fish and gently try to put the tail (bones) back into shape ?  I`m concerned for the health of the 2 fish and if the problem is some form of decease that might spread to my other Orfe .. some of whci are 18" long.

Many thanks for your time and help,
Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for your question.  It's great to hear from the UK.  I spent a fabulous two weeks in England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland in 1992.  I will never forget that trip.  The UK and Ireland are magnificent from the people to the history and heritage.

I don't think there is a problem with disease for your orfes.  It sounds like a genetic thing and fortunately it has only affected two of your fish.  Unless the fish are suffering, don't worry about them spreading a disease.  If they are suffering, I suggest you euthanize them.  I hope this helps.
Tom