How to Treat and Diagnose Common Fish Diseases
A Guide to Symptoms Affecting Fish in Aquariums
Sep 4, 2009
Preventing an outbreak of these diseases is much easier compared to trying to cure ailments. The best way to achieve this is to maintain good fish water conditions as they can become stressed in poor water, which in turn lowers the immune system of the fish.
Partial water changes and testing the water on a weekly basis will contribute to a more harmonious aquatic environment but there are a number of common diseases that affect all types of tank fish.
It is vital that owners who are not sure of what disease is affecting their fish, get expert help immediately. Taking a photograph of the ill fish to an aquatic centre is a great way to ask for advice without putting extra stress on the fish.
Swim Bladder Problems
The swim bladder is a gas filled sack that prevents the fish from neither floating or sinking and if there are problems the fish will either float to the surface or sink to the bottom of the tank. Swim bladder problems can occur for a number of reasons, including a bacterial infection in or around the swim bladder.
Off the shelf treatments include anti-internal bacteria treatments and swim bladder control treatments.
Aquarium tonic salt may also help as could providing frozen fish food to ease constipation as this is one cause of fish bladder problems.
Fungus
Often identified as white or grey, cotton wool like patches on the fish's body or fins, fungus especially affects livebearers, fancy goldfish and gouramis as they are particularly susceptible to this ailment.
Fungus can be treated with anti-fungus products along with aquarium tonic salt which may again provide relief of some of the symptoms.
Velvet Disease
A fish with velvet disease will look as if it has been dusted with talcum powder and will be covered with very small white spots.
It is easily identifitied as the fish will have rapid gill movements and will vigorously rub against stones and ornaments as the parasites irritate. An over-the-counter anti-velvet disease treatment is needed.
White Spot
This can be identified by examining the small, round, white spots which cover the fish. These are larger than the spots that appear with velvet disease. The fish will try to remove the spots by flicking against rocks and ornaments.
White spot is a parasite and the spots are actually its egg sacks. Even when the spots have gone, the parasites could still be in the water. Choose an anti-white spot treatment, and closely follow the instructions, ensuring it is correct for the type of fish.
Aquarium Salt
This is like a first aid kit for aquariums and a general tonic which helps to maintain a healthy aquarium.
It can be used at a higher dosage to treat some diseases or as a secondary treatment after a fish has been treated for diseases such as white spot.
Herbal Treatments
There are several alternative treatments available which contain herbal compounds, such as tea tree extract and Aloe Vera, instead of chemicals.
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