Page 326 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

324 POND FISH: ILLNESS AND TREATMENT

BACTERIAL, FUNGAL, AND VIRAL DISEASES

CONDITION AT RISK SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
Fin (tail) rot Goldfish, especially long- Ulceration and damage to the fins, with reddish streaking. Commercial antibacterial remedy to treat causal
finned variants, and koi Especially common in cold weather under poor Flexibacter bacteria. Improve water quality.
environmental conditions.
Septicemia All fish, especially koi Often begins as superficial skin damage. This spreads, Topical wound treatment. Antibiotics are needed to deal
creating external ulceration, reddening of the body, with the bacteria on the body surface to prevent them
and lethargic behavior. from affecting the vital organs. Improve water quality.
Spring viremia of Koi, goldfish, and Hemorrhaging under the skin and bloated body. No treatment is available for this highly infectious viral
carp (SVC) other carp Autopsy reveals liver and spleen enlarged and disease. State/Provincial Veterinarian should be notified
accumulation of fluid. of a suspected outbreak. Improve water quality.
Carp pox Koi, goldfish, and Whitish swellings develop over the surface of the body. It is not possible to treat this viral illness, but affected
other carp These may fuse together to create larger areas of swelling. fish may recover, especially if kept in clean water to
prevent secondary infection. Improve water quality.

Lymphocystis Most prevalent in Isolated whitish swellings over the body surface may No treatment is available for this viral illness; though
goldfish but also in koi sometimes become enlarged and branched. disfiguring, it rarely causes problems and does not
spread rapidly. Improve water quality.
Fungus All fish Whitish areas resembling cotton fluff evident on the fins Use a medicated bath for sick individuals. More general
or on the body. The fungus typically gains access at the pond treatments are also available. A partial water
site of an injury. change is likely to be beneficial.

PARASITES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

CONDITION AT RISK SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
1
Fish lice Any fish, especially koi Semitransparent lice, up to ⁄2 in (1 cm) long, are seen Commercial remedy. Lice can be removed with
(Argulus species) and goldfish close to the base of the fins. Fish frequently rub forceps, but mechanical removal may result in
themselves to relieve irritation. infection. Improve water quality.
Gill flukes Any fish Gill covers flare open, and fish have obvious difficulty Commercial remedy. Be careful when handling
(Dactylogyrus species) breathing. Parasites cause irritation and excess affected fish because respiration is compromised
mucus production in the gills. by the presence of these flukes.
Anchor worm Any fish Crustacean parasites, just under 1 in (2.5 cm) long, hang Adult worms can be removed with forceps;
(Lernaea species) down from the sides of the body. The parasites feed free-swimming nauplii should be destroyed using
directly on the fish’s body and can cause ulcers. commercial treatments added to the water.

Leeches (annelids) Any fish The soft-bodied parasites attach to softer parts of the Commercial remedy. Eggs are very resistant to
fish and suck up body fluids. Large numbers cause treatment. The fish may need to be removed
anemia and may spread other diseases. from the pond and the eggs destroyed using
calcium hydroxide.
White spot Any fish Small white spots over the body, which ulcerate and are Treat in a salt bath or with a commercial remedy.
(Ichthyophthirius likely to become infected. Fish rub their sides against the
multifiliis) pond; other symptoms include lethargy and appetite loss.

Suffocated fish Goldfish and Occasionally occurs in ponds used by spawning frogs. Check fish regularly. Net any individual that
smaller koi The male frog mistakenly grabs a goldfish around the has a frog holding on to it; this should cause the
head, stopping its gill movements. amphibian to loosen its grip. Otherwise, gently
separate the frog and the fish.

US_322-325_Illness_Breeding_Ch.indd 324 29/08/18 4:11 PM