Page 325 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

HEALTH CONCERNS 323

TREATING SICK FISH Fish receiving HUMAN HEALTH
treatment
Treatments for pond fish can be delivered to an individual or to • Always supervise children
the whole pond. Individual treatment in an isolation tank (right) near a pond, even if you
or by injection (below) is preferable where bacterial, fungal, or believe it to be childproof.
gill problems are suspected, while whole-pond treatments are Some poolside plants can
more appropriate where be toxic if eaten.
there is a generalized • Use long rubber gloves
parasite problem. when servicing the pond, and
avoid dipping your hands in
Antibiotic injections and pondwater. Rats can
simple surgery can be carried
out by the experienced Dosage and duration contaminate the water with
fishkeeper. Veterinarians who of exposure to chemicals can be closely their urine, which may carry
specialize in fish are most often controlled in a treatment tank. The fish Weil’s disease, a serious
consulted about koi, because of can also be removed more readily if it illness that resembles the
the high value of these fish. reacts badly to the treatment. flu in its early stages.

before their presence is detected, and eliminating them can be If a fish is affected with a disease or parasite, check other
very difficult. A table of the most common conditions seen in fish to determine whether there is a general problem in
pond fish, as well as treatment strategies, follows on page 324. the pond or the disease is an isolated instance. Look out, too,
If your fish are affected, you are most likely to first notice for secondary infections. Sometimes the entire pond needs
changes in their behavior and feeding patterns; a sick fish may, treatment with commercial chemicals, but often it is sufficient
for example, distance itself from others or take refuge behind to treat individual fish. Check all water-quality parameters
a plant. If disease is suspected, affected fish should immediately before reintroducing the fish; minimizing environmental stress
be removed from the pond and kept in isolation, preferably in will help prevent recurrence of the condition.
a large aquarium (see above). Here you can inspect the body Certain diseases, such as the rapidly spreading koi herpes-
close up and check for symptoms of disease or parasite virus (KHV), are untreatable, emphasizing the importance of
infestation. Fish lice will be visible in this environment, and isolating new fish before introducing them to a pond (see p.311)
you should also be able to detect gill flukes much earlier than and seeking professional advice if many fish become ill.
would be possible in a pond. Treatments can be carried out in
the tank itself, or in smaller baths, and the fish’s progress can Pale-colored fish, especially koi,
be readily monitored before reintroduction to the pond. living in clear water are at risk
from sunburn. With such delicate
specimens, it is best to
incorporate some form of
screening above the
POISONS IN THE BACKYARD water to protect
the fish.
A number of garden chemicals can be harmful to fish and other
aquatic life if they enter the pond. This can occur either as the
result of runoff, caused by water draining into the pond, or by the
chemicals wafting on to the surface. Be particularly careful if you
are using any pesticides or herbicides near the pond—whether for
the garden itself or when treating pets, such as dogs, against fleas—
to make sure there is no risk of contamination. Otherwise, you can
quickly find that you have lost all the fish.

Pond fish can die rapidly
if exposed to harmful
chemicals. Never use a
hose to refill the pond
without using a water
conditioner—there is
chlorine or chloramine
in most city tap water.

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