Page 60 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

58 FRESHWATER FISH: ILLNESS AND TREATMENT

PARASITES

CONDITION AT RISK SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
⑬ White spot Many species, but Small white spots over the body, which ulcerate and are Raise water temperature slightly to shorten the life
(Ichthyophthirius especially mollies likely to become infected. Increased mucus production span of the free-swimming tomites. Treat water with
multifiliis) (see pp.168–169) indicates skin irritation. commercial remedy to kill tomites.
⑭ Hole-in-the-head Discus (see pp.142–143) Pale areas develop on the head, becoming ulcerated. Treat rapidly with micronazole or similar medication to
(Hexamita species) and other cichlids Secondary bacterial infection often sets in, and signs prevent lifelong scarring and promote healing. Improve
of emaciation develop. diet, using food containing Vitamin C.
⑮ Neon Tetra disease Neon Tetras (see p.99) Loss of color and white areas under the skin. Caused by Treatment not possible. Remove affected fish at once,
and related species a microsporan parasite. as well as any that die, since cannibalism is likely to
spread this protozoal infection.
⑯ Skin and gill flukes All fish Gill flukes cause labored breathing; fish commonly hang Specific commercial medications will kill these
(Gyrodactylus and below the surface, reluctant to move. Skin flukes cause trematodes. Watch for reinfestation, because the
Dactylogyrus) irritation; the fish scrapes itself against objects, gills parasites’ eggs are hard to destroy.
pump fast and may appear red.
⑰ Anchor worm All fish Elongated parasites up to ⁄4 in (20 mm) in length attach Remove visible parasites with forceps and treat
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(Lernaea species) to the sides of the body, resulting in ulceration and affected fish in a medicated bath. Add insecticide to
irritation. Patches of inflammation may become infected. the tank to kill the free-swimming young parasites.
⑱ Velvet disease Many species, especially A yellow-gray coating develops on the fins and skin, Raise water temperature slightly. Use a proprietary
(Oodinium species) anabantoids (see resembling gold dust. The fish try to relieve irritation by treatment to kill the free-swimming stage in the
pp.104–115) and danios rubbing; the skin may peel away in strips. Breathing may life cycle of these protozoa.
(see pp.76–77) become labored, and the fish may be lethargic.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND INJURIES

CONDITION AT RISK SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
⑲ Chlorine poisoning All fish Fish appear pale and covered in mucus; some show Immediately remove fish to a tank containing chlorine-
redness on parts of the body. Often seem stressed, free water. Alternatively, add appropriate chemicals to
rubbing against rockwork and swimming erratically. remove the chlorine from solution.
⑳ Hypoxia All fish Fish spend much of their time at the surface of the water, Carry out a partial water change without delay. Check
(lack of oxygen where the concentration of dissolved oxygen is higher. the system—including pump and filter—and monitor
dissolved in the water) water conditions. Make sure tank is not overcrowded.
Chilling All fish Loss of activity and balance. Symptoms appear suddenly, Check the water temperature—the power may be off
and all of the fish in a tank are likely to be affected. or the heater broken. Do not suddenly add hot water,
but allow the temperature to rise gradually.

Nitrogen toxicity All fish Protruding eyes. Fish gasp for breath at the water surface Change water immediately and remove fish to an
or hang near water outlets. Gills appear brown and move aquarium or other container with clean water. Monitor
more rapidly than usual. nitrogen waste levels regularly; if they remain high,
perform partial water changes daily.
Other poisoning All fish Symptoms are variable, ranging from mild distress to Remove source of contamination. Move fish out of
sudden death; often, they begin with the fish swimming the environment, and run a carbon filter to deactivate
in circles, with clamped fins. the chemical. Carry out a major water change.

Attack by tankmate All fish Injured fish floating on the surface. Fish are often noticed Move individual to a different tank to recover. Use aloe
in this condition first thing in the morning, because many vera water conditioner, which may assist healing. Treat
attacks occur under cover of darkness. with commercial antibacterial and antifungal
treatments. Do not reintroduce to existing aquarium.

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