tropical fish diseases
Tropical Fish Diseases
Tropical fish are prone to various diseases, especially when housed in different climate zones. Various such diseases are described below.
Types
- Small, white spots appear on the head, body and fins. This is called Whitespot (Ichthyophthirius).
- Sustained loss of appetite. Newly introduced fish are slow to feed, while some fish consume only live foods. A basic water tester is used to check ammonia etc.
- Reddening of the skin or red streaks in the fins occur due to virus, ulcers (bacterial infection). This can be seen through microscopes and is incurable. For bacterial diseases, use an anti-bacteria or internal treatment. A prolonged salt bath will relieve osmoregulatory stress in the case of severe ulceration.
- Dull color (mucus), detached skin or fraying of the fin could be Mucus Hyperproduction. This is caused by Slime disease (parasites), poor water conditioners (high nitrogenous waste), flukes, and stress.
- Cotton wool effect on the body, columnaris, caused by fungus. An anti-fungus medication can be used or a salt bath (1 teaspoon per gallon) can be used.
- Scales are raised and fish are bloated. This is called Dropsy/Ascites. This can be thought of as a symptom rather than as a disease. This is associated with bacterial infections.
- Worms are seen hanging from the gills and fish are gasping. These worms are called gill flukes (Dactylogyrus genus). This is also a different parasite. So, anti-parasite drugs are used.
- A whitish film appears over the eye of the fish. This occurs due to poor water quality or poisoning (chlorine) or eye fluke.