If you have a pet fish, you should know about fish diseases, their symptoms, and treatment. However, knowing when a fish is sick is not easy. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the most common fish diseases, their symptoms, and their treatment.
What types of fish diseases exist?
A large number of diseases can affect the health of our fish. They are animals that tend to get worried very easily. Some of the most common diseases are given below.
White Point
This infection is forced by the dreaded parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which attaches itself to the fish’s body. It is usually specified by the white spot. It is very advanced, and these spots turn grey.
But that’s not all. As the problem progresses, the fish’s skin will begin to show other symptoms, such as mucus secretion, which will cause it to come loose from the body.
Other symptoms include
They will hold the fins close to the body.
- Lack of appetite.
- Irregular swimming form.
- The fish rubs its skin against objects such as rocks or roots.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing (so they will stay close to the surface to get air).
Saprolegniosis, or mycosis, is caused by fungi from the Acharya and Saprolegnia families.
Unlike the last one, this disease only affects weakened fish by wounds, low temperature, or poor conditions in aquariums, which weakens the fish’s immune system. The symptoms they present are:
- Apathy.
- The cottony covering on the walls.
- Lack of appetite.
- They swim little or remain still.
Dropsy
Pseudomonas and Aeromonas bacteria ( which live in aquarium soil and water) contribute to the formation of this disease, although it is not yet known for certain what causes it.
However, when the fish’s immune system is weakened, it cannot fight off the disease.
Signs of this problem are
- Swollen belly (due to fluid retention)
- Bristly scales
- Apathy
- Loss of control of your movements.
- Bulging or swollen eyes
- Fungal infection or attack
Athlete’s rot
As in the previous case, this disease is also caused by bacteria found in the water or soil of the aquarium or fish tank and is triggered when the fish is weakened. It usually happens in fish that do not obtain the necessary care.
Some of how it occurs are:
- The advantages of the fins start to take on a rosy or white color.
- Holes appear, or fins begin to fall apart.
- Apathy
Learnaea Worm:
This worm buries its head into the fish’s body, causing it to rub against everything in the tank and swim from side to side. Its skin also becomes inflamed, and green threads (similar to worms) appear on it.
When this disease occurs, all other fish must be moved and quarantined. The worms must be released, and antiseptics must be applied to treat the affected fish.
Perforated swim bladder
This is the easiest disease to detect in fish, as the fish will be seen swimming upside down. But that’s not all. Its swimming will also be clumsy, and it cannot move properly.
It is caused by poor water hygiene, which generates many bacteria that cause very dangerous infections. Although it is very difficult to reverse, treatment is possible.
How can fish diseases be prevented?
Although fish may seem like fragile living beings, if they are kept in good living conditions and adapted to their needs, they can fight diseases very well.
Therefore, some factors must be taken into account to prevent such dangers, which are
- Keep the filtration in good working order
- Constantly remove carbon from the filter
- While they are undergoing treatment, it is advisable to feed them in moderation.
- Constantly clean and change the water.
- Make sure the water quality is good.
What is the treatment for fish diseases?
The ideal treatment will depend on the disease and the type or size of the fish. Before the treatment, it is important to carefully check the fish’s behavior, fins, and scales.
If you see the signs of any of the above-mentioned diseases. Then you will need to carry out the indicated treatment.
Some of these are:
White spot:
This disease can only be treated with chemicals during the first phase of the disease.
Learnea:
metriponate (1.5 mg per 4.5 liters of water)
Fungi:
Activated carbon should be removed, and fungicides should be applied.