Fish Disease

Ammonia PoisoningSymptoms

•Red, inflamed gill; gasping at surface

Treatment

• Add chemical to absorb excess ammonia; decrease number of fish tank

Dropsy (Malawi Bloat)SymptomBloated; raised

scales loss of body color

Treatment• Bacterial

infection- use medication and change 25% of water every other day

Ichthyophtirius (Ick)SymptomsSmall white spots

on body

Treatment• Parasite infection-

use medication and quarantine new arrivals to tank before adding

Fin RotSymptomsLoss of fin tissue;

lethargic on bottom of tank

Treatment• Bacterial infection-

use medication; change water frequently; quarantine affected fish

Fish Fungus

SymptomsWhite to gray,

mold-like growth on fish

Treatment•Medication and regular water changes

Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)

SymptomsSmall dents or

holes on head or side of fish; lack of desire to eat

Treatment• No definite

treatment; use best water and fish food available

Nitrate/ Nitrite PoisoningSymptomsFish are

lethargic just below surface of water

Treatment• Use test kit to check

levels; perform water changes; possibly decrease numbers in tank

Oxygen Starvation

SymptomsNearly all fish at

water surface, possibly gulping for air

Treatment• Decrease

temperature of tank; increase aerators to provide more oxygen

Pop-Eye

SymptomsEyes seem to be

“popping” out of their sockets

Treatment• Bacterial

infection- use medication and change water frequently

Swim Bladder DiseaseSymptomsFish have difficulty

staying level in water

Treatment• No definite

treatment; small frequent water changes (10% per week) recommended

Velvet (oodinium)SymptomsSimilar to Ick,

but with small yellow or gray spots, fish may rub on sides of aquarium

Treatment• Parasite

infection- use medication; prevent by quarantining new arrivals to tank for a few weeks.