Fish Diseases And What To Do About Them

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Is That Really A Fish Disease?

Sometimes what we think is a disease when the fish get sick really isn't a disease at all.  In a number of cases, these so called diseases are in fact a physical response to an external stimuli caused by poor tank management, just like the allergy a human might get.  There are however times when the sickness is caused by an actual parasite.  What we will focus on in this article are the most common fish diseases and the steps that you can take to heal your fish.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

In most cases, the presence of a parasite to an existing fish tank mainly happens when we introduce a new fish into it.  There is no other way for parasites or bacteria to get into your fish tank and infect your fish.  So before placing new fish into your aquarium, do the following basic checks to ensure that it is healthy first:

1)  Ensure that the fish is active.
2)  Ensure that it is eating well.
3)  Eye check its body for scars, blemishes or spots.
4)  Ensure that its fins are not clamped.
5)  Ensure that the gills are a healthy pink.

You should perform these basic checks before you purchase the fish while still at the fish store.  Even if a fish looks healthy, once you've brought it home with you, don't put it into your aquarium with the other fish immediately.  If would be better to isolate it in a quarantine tank for a couple of days first.  

Don't ever add in the water that the fish came in into your existing tank water.  In most stores, the tanks are linked to a central filter and disease can easily spread from one tank to another this way.  Always use some of the water from your existing tank to acclimatize the new fish to your new tank water.  This will ensure that it survives longer in its new environment.

Doing all the above will guarantee that your existing fish will never be troubled by parasites or bacteria.

But What If The Fish Still Get Sick?

IchBut in the off chance that they do get infected, here are the solutions to the most common aquarium diseases.

Fin Rot

The fish fins are frayed, they then to get shorter and look tattered, sometimes with a white colored edge.  The diseased fish needs to be kept away from the other fish in a quarantine tanks and treated with antibiotics which you can buy from a fish shop.  Also, make sure to monitor the other fish as well and isolate them if they too get infected.

Dropsy

Dropsy is also caused by bacteria.  It makes the fish look bloated to a point where their scales begin to stand out and flake.  This disease also makes the fish less active.  The infected fish need to be treated with medication meant for an internal infection.

Hexamita

Hexamita is a parasite that commonly infects Angelfish, Discus and Oscars.  The parasite bores a pin sized hole in the head area of the fish.  A mild infection will cause the fish to swim unevenly and it must be treated immediately because it is a disease that will be fatal if left untreated.

Skin and Gill Flukes

This is also a parasitic infection that causes the gill to protrude out, while also makes the fish gasp for breath violently.  This infection is also deadly and needs to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.

Ich

This is one of the most common parasitic infections which makes the outer surface of the fish looked  like it has specks of salt on it.  This makes the fish feel itchy and and scratch itself against any decorations.  This disease is easy to treat using Malachite Green but be careful as Malachite Green is harmful to invertabrates.
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Pet Fish & Aquarium Care Tips : How to Treat a Sick Betta Fish

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