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Types of Fish Disease

Fish diseases can be divided into 4 categories. These are:

  • bacterial infections
  • fungal infections
  • parasitic or protozoan infections
  • physical ailments and wounds.

Bacteria

Internal bacteria may cause your fish to turn darker in color, swell, move listlessly, or suddenly die.

If you notice any of these symptoms of internal bacteria, treat the entire tank with a round of antibiotics that won’t destroy the balance, as soon as possible. Bacteria spread very fast, and can be deadly.

Fungus

Appearing as a white, cotton-like substance on the fish, fungus usually only affects fish when they’ve had damage to the skin. It’s usually caused by a tank that’s not warm enough.

Fungus can be treated quickly with a round of antifungal treatments.

Parasites

Just the idea of parasites crawling inside your fish can make your skin crawl, but don’t worry. The majority of parasites can be treated.

While most parasites aren’t large enough to see, you’ll notice your fish rubbing against things and flicking around. Sometimes even cysts will form, which can become painful.

Most parasites can be treated with a substance called Malachite Green. Remember to follow the dosage instructions; don’t just throw some into the tank and hope for the best.

Physical Ailments

Constipation

My fish is… constipated? Oh, it happens. While some fish are more susceptible than others, constipation does put you in an awkward situation.

Loss of appetite and the swelling of the body are the most common signs. Varying your finned friends’ diet can prevent and/or remedy the problem.

Physical Injuries

Even the best aquariums pose some level of risk for a physical injury, so don’t feel like a bad “fish owner” if this happens.

Small injuries will heal themselves if the fish is in good, healthy water. Larger injuries should be touched with 2% Mercurochrome, which you can buy at any fish store.

Tumors

Usually due to genetic issues, tumors are common. Mostly untreatable, tumors don’t seem to affect some fish. If it’s not bothering your fish, don’t worry about it.

If it appears to be painful for your fish, though, or it’s keeping him from eating or functioning, the fish should be put down humanely. It’s better than forcing it to suffer.

How Can I Spot Sickness?

There are several ways to spot a sick fish, some more obvious than others. Sickly fish need prompt attention.

If something is wrong, you’ll know; sick fish change their routines, including eating habits and will often lose weight.

Sick tropical fish often change colors when ill. So when a usually vibrant fish looks dull, you’ll know it’s sick, stressed, or hurt. Noticing this sign is an important clue to knowing when something is wrong with your fish.

What Do I Do First?

Okay. You think your fish is sick. It might be showing the first signs of ailing health.

First, check the water. Use these test strips to check pH, ammonia levels, nitrate, etc. Redo the monthly tests and check the results. Make any needed adjustments as soon as possible, as the water quality is likely the cause of your fish’s stress.

Next, look at what’s going on in the tank: Check the filters, heaters, and pumps to ensure all the equipment is functioning properly.

If your chemical levels look good and your equipment seems fine; then you’re going to need two buckets. Fill them both with water, and ensure that it matches the water in the tank, as far as levels go, and that it’s dechlorinated. Also, they should be well-aerated. Using a net, move the sick fish from the main tank to the first bucket. Add three-eighths of a teaspoon of salt per gallon to it every two minutes for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the fish to the next bucket – it should have fresh water in it. After about 20 minutes, add another three-eighths of a teaspoon of salt per gallon.

Now, move your fish into the hospital, or quarantine, tank. The water in this tank should be changed daily; after a day of isolation check the fish for signs of disease or parasites. Take a look with a magnifying glass if necessary.

Table of Common Fish Diseases and their Treatment

Symptoms Possible Cause Medication
Small white spots on the head, body and fins. It sometimes looks as though the fish has been dusted with salt. Whitespot (Ichthyophthirius) also known as Ich or Ick
Cotton wool effect on the body Fungus, Columnarius (Mouth fungus)
Fins look ragged and eventually parts of the fin disintegrate Fin Rot
Appearance of a whitish film over the eye of the fish Eye fluke or chlorine poisoning
Worms are visibly seen hanging from the gills, fish are gasping Gill Worm (Dactylogyrus)
Small, worm like parasites attached to fish, fish scraping against rocks. Anchor Worm (Lemea)

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  2. Freshwater Aquarium Temperature Considerations
  3. Fish Disease – Prevention Rather than Cure
  4. Thank You For Subscribing To The Freshwater Aquarium Secrets Online Mini-Course
  5. Terms Of Use

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