 |
 |
|
|
|
Diseases & Medicines |
|
|
Unfortunately, fish tend to get diseases easily,
most are easily curable, but they seem to cause lots of trouble, and sometimes
death. In most cases it may be cheaper to replace the fish then to treat it,
however if there is a large amount of fish, or the fish is grown, then treatment
would be best. Diseases There are several types of diseases, listed below are some of the most common one's for both freshwater tropical and goldfish, along with a short description. Coming Soon! We will adding more information and pictures, including causes of certain diseases, and methods to treat them. Anchor Worm A white worm protrudes from a red agitated area on the fish's body. Infested fish rubs against anything it can attempting to scrape off the parasite. Body Slime Fungus The protective slime coating grows white and starts peeling off, as if the fish were shedding or molting. The fins are eventually covered as well. China Disease Tail fin and other fins begin to fray, beginning at the base of the fin and works it's way outward. Affected areas begin to blacken. Ventral region begins to turn black. Constipation & Indigestion Fish become very inactive, usually rests at bottom of tank. More likely than not, it's abdomen swells or bulges. Dropsy (Kidney Bloat) The belly bloats noticeably and the scales stick out like a pine cone. Fin Congestion - Goldfish Red blotches, hemorrhages, appear on the trailing edges of the fins. Blood vessels become inflamed and then rupture. Fin or Tail Rot Fins have missing parts; eventually become shredded. Entire fins will be eaten away. Fish Lice Round disk shaped creatures that clamp onto host and refuse to let go. infected fish will rub against objects in tank in effort to scrape these pests off. Fish Pox Whitish or pinkish waxy film develops over the fish's skin and fins. Fungus Fuzzy growth, different, from velvet because it is more whitish and easier to notice. Furunculosis Raised bumps underneath the scales. A short time afterward the bumps rupture and create large bleeding ulcers. Gill Fluke Gills swell up pink and red and fish spend lots of time near the surface trying to sick air. Puss like fluid will be exuded from the gills at this time. Hole in the Head The fish has white stringy feces and enlarged pus-filled sensory pores in the hear. Also, erosion of the skin and the muscles that eventually extends to bones and skull. Ich (Most Common) Raised white spots about the size of salt or sugar granules appear on the body and fins. Cause: Stress is the main cause of Ich. Your fish can get stressed as a result of many  things. Ich seems to show up most often when adding
new fish to an aquarium. Fish purchased at
the store may have had a large amount of stress. Stress
can be caused by other fish, transportation, constantly changing temperatures,
poor quality water, and some other factors.Treatment: One thing you can do is add aquarium salt to your aquarium, or you can use regular table salt but make sure you use only NON-IODIZED or PLAIN salt. The iodine will kill the fish. There are also several medicines on the market to treat Ich, you can use tablets or liquid, such as Maracide, as pictured to the right. No matter what treatment you decide to buy, make sure you follow the directions extremely carefully to avoid causing death to your fish. Leeches Long wormlike creatures attached at both ends of fish. Do not come off easily. Mouth Fungus White cottony growth on mouth. Sometimes spreads to the gills. Pop Eye Fish's eyes begin to protrude in a very abnormal way. Skin Fluke Swelled-up coat. Host fish is constantly trying to rub itself against object to scrape off infection. Swim Bladder Fish swim on their sides, upside down, or will somersault as they attempt to swim. Sometimes they can be found at the bottom or the top of the tank. Tumors Obvious lumps, bumps, protrusions, sometimes they look like a large blister or wart. Ulcers Large red ulcers, boils, dark reddening, and bleeding. Velvet Fuzzy area grows with a yellow or golden color.
|
||
