Pet Care
Fish Diseases
Fish diseases are quite common and can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for disease is poor water conditions. Poor water creates stress for the fish, and stress makes fish prone to infection. It is important to test your water and make partial water changes every week to keep your fish healthy and happy.
Below is a quick guide to identifying common fish diseases.
Constipation
Symptons
- Bloating.
- Floating.
- Inablity to swim normally.
- Lethargy.
- Similar symptoms to Swim Bladder Problems.
Treatment
- Introduce live plants to provide a healthy alternative food source to your fish's diet.
- Introduce live food into your fish's diet.
Dropsy
Symptoms
- Fish may appear swollen and bloated, causing scales to protrude further than usual.
- Fish may hang at the top or bottom of the aquarium.
- Fish may have sunken eyes.
- Lethargy.
Treatment
- Introduce a bacteria Control treatment to the aquarium.
External Parasites
Symptoms
- Fish may hang near surface of the aquarium gasping for air.
- Fish may flick and scratch against objects in the aquarium.
- Excess mucus trailing from gills.
- worm-like creatures or round, flat lce may be visible.
Treatment
- A salt treatment is a natural way of eradicating parasites.
- Paraites can be removed by tweezers. Anchor worms should not be removed as they embed their heads in the skin of the fish and ifection could occur if the head remains attached.
Fin, Tail and Mouth Rot
Symptoms
- Clouded eyes.
- Lethargy
- Eroded mouth
- Decayed, frayed and damaged fins and tail.
- Fins may be red at the base and may have skin ulcers.
Treatment
- Introduce a Fin Rot treatment into the aquarium.
Fungus
Symptoms
- Grey/white patches that look similar to cooton wool appear on the skin or gills.
Treatment
- Choose a Fungus Control treatment.
Slime Disease
Symptoms
- Rapid breathing
- Excess grey mucus may cover any part of the body.
Treatment
- Choose a Slime control treatment.
Swim Bladder
Symptoms
- Fish sinks to the bottom of the tank.
- Fish floats to the top of the tank.
- Fish unable to swim in a normal upright fashion.
Treatment
- Choose a Swim Bladder treatment.
Ulcers
Symptoms
- Red Sores od differing sizes may appear on the body.
- Sores can also appear white in colour.
Treatment
- Choose a Bacteria control treatment.
Velvet
Symptoms
- Fish may scratch against objects in the tank, causing scale loss and skin damage.
- Parasites may be seen as very fine spots which appear as a velvet layer of gold or rust over the affected areas.
Treatment
- Choose a Velvet control treatment.
White Spot
Symptoms
- Rapid gill movement
- Flicking and rubbing against objects in the tank.
- Small white, pin size visible on fins and skin.
Treatment
- Choose a White Spot treatment.