Welcome To My Newsletter Series. In this newsletter letter series I will provide you with information about keeping tropical fish. The information contained in the newsletter comes from my passed experiences while working with fish, conversations I've had with friends and other tropical fish lovers, as well as knowledge I gain while researching material to write the book. So as you can see that the content comes from a number of sources, which I think make for a well rounded newsletter series.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to your friends who maybe interested in tropical fish keeping as well.
So with the introductions out of the way... here is todays topic:
COMMON DISEASES IN FRESHWATER FISH
While there are a number of diseases that affect freshwater fish, the following are those that you would be faced with most often, along with the symptoms and treatment options.
Ammonia Poisoning
If your fish aquarium as ammonia poisoning, you would notice red or bleeding gills. In addition, the fish would be darker in color than usual, and may surface to gasp for air. The best solution in this case is prevention since ammonia poisoning cannot be cured. First, you need to avoid adding high-dollar fish into new tank since tanks must be established up to six weeks through the cycling process.
After the cycling, you would need to check the levels of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia before you add in any fish. Even then, we recommend you choose inexpensive fish Justin case. For larger biological loads, we also recommend you add a wet/dry filtration system for a marine tank or a freshwater biological filter such as the Bio-Wheel. This problem is common in new tanks, especially when they are stocked right away with fish.
While trace amounts of ammonia are harmless, over time they can present a problem. The most important thing you can do is understand the cycling process and then maintain acceptable levels of ammonia. In most cases, ammonia would be present along with a rise in pH levels. When this occurs, the gills of the fish become damaged when levels as little as 0.25mg per liter are present.
Black Spot Disease
With this disease, you would notice small black specks on the body. Generally, this disease is easy to cure. Most often, Black Spot Disease occurs in a new aquarium as fish are added. While all fish are at risk, the Silver Dollar and Piranha are the most susceptible.
Cataracts
If you notice a gray or white covering of the eye, your fish could actually have cataracts. You will find a number of treatments specifically made for cataracts to include Aquatronics and Eye Fungex. The key here is to ensure both ammonia and nitrite levels in the tank stay within the acceptable range. Since cataracts in fish are fungal growths, an aquarium fungicide will usually do wonders.
Corneybacteriosis
Also known as bulging eyes, the symptoms involve none else – bulging eyes. Typically, penicillin and tetracycline will treat this problem. The problem occurs when there is swelling in the head, which in turns pushes the eyes outward. Typically, Corneybacteriosis is the result of overcrowding and poor water quality.
Dropsy
The symptoms of dropsy include the sides and stomach of the fish bulging. Additionally, you may notice the scales being forced outward. This problem is not a disease but a sign of an internal bacterial infection.
External Bacterial Infection
If your fish have an external bacteria infection, you would notice spots on the body of red or orange. In addition, you would possibly see red streaks on the body, bloating, or a white/gray film on the body. To treat this problem, you would use penicillin, naladixic acid, or tetracycline. Another effective treatment option is a salt bath. Although somewhat difficult to diagnose, once you notice the streaking, treatment should immediately follow.
Fungal Infections
If you notice a white or cotton-like substance on the fish, specifically the fins or mouth, the problem could be a fungal infection. Treatment in this case is easy, consisting of a number of commercial products such as MarOxy or Super Sulfo. Sadly, fungal infections can kill. What happens is that when a fish has a scrape or cut, and living in poor water conditions, the infections take hold. Keep in mind that fungal infections are often related to one species of fish bullying another species so you also want to take inventory of the type of fish being kept.
Ichthyophthiriasis
More commonly known as Ich, this appears as small white spots, primarily on the fins. Treating Ich is challenging but possible. Most often, you would use an over-the-counter medication made specifically to combat Ich such as Maracyn Two or Super Ich. These white “pimples” are actually small sacs of protazoans.
When the sac breaks, parasites get into the tank’s gravel, soon multiplying. As the protozoans mature, they attack the healthy fish. Since this is very contagious, you want to start treatment immediately. In addition to medication, we recommend you increase the temperature of the fish aquarium during the day to help the sacs break. Then with the medication, the protazoans would be attacked before they have a chance to multiply.
Internal Bacterial Infection
When a fish as an internal bacterial infection, you would likely see, problems such as Dropsy develop. In this case, you can use various types of medication to include naladixic acid, penicillin, and tetracycline. Although there are many different forms of internal bacterial infection, most are easy to handle.
Myxobacteriosis
The symptoms of this disease include black splotches on the fins and body. In addition, the fish may become bloated all over or in just some spots. The only medication that works on Myxobacteriosis is called Phenocide. Although uncommon, Myxobacteriosis is relatively easy to cure. The most common cause is overcrowding although poor water quality, especially high levels of ammonia and nitrites is also a contributor.
Parasitic Infestation
If your fish has a parasitic infestation, you would see lice, flukes, or worms on the body. The best option is to physically remove the parasites and then treat the fish in a hospital tank with CopperSafe or some other type of copper-based medication. The treatment is most successful when the problem is diagnosed early.
Velvet Disease
With Velvet Disease, you would see small, white spots that look like powder. Also called Oodinium, this common disease resembles Ich although the white sacs are smaller. The good news is that Velvet Disease is much easier to cure than Ich, by using Maracide or Super Velvet medications.
If you are still concerened about disease in your aquarium your should contact your local pet store for more information.
I hope you enjoyed this article and look forward to the next article which looks at controlling algae.
Until next time...
Katy
www.kingdomofpets.com/tropicalfish
If you are really serious about learning more about keeping tropical fish, Click Here to order my Book and DVD set. Let me guide you through it all!
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Katy's Tropical Fish - A Complete Guide To Tropical Fish Keeping