AN OVERVIEW OF FISH DISEASES:
In this article we will discuss parasites and protozoa that can attack your fish. These pests can also lead to many
secondary problems. You must not only kill the parasite, but you will probably have to treat for other infections as
well.
Look at the pictures below to help identify these pests in the near future.
Also, when you are feeding your fish, it is a prime time to watch your fish and to detect any problems. You need
to have one white fish in your collection. A white fish will show signs before any other fish because of the
white color. A white fish will will also show stress first and that will also be an indicator if your water
chemistry is not perfect. Any levels of ammonia or nitrites are deadly. When toxins are at an unsafe level your
fish will show physical signs of stress. A white fish will take on a pink cast and signs of reddening will appear
thoughout the body.
Fish Lice and Anchor Worm
Watch for these 2 parasites. They are easily seen by the naked eye. Fish Lice ( Argulus ) and Lernea (
Anchor Worm). These pests are sucking parasites and they use tiny suckers to adhere to the surface of your fish.
They are easily seen on the fins or head. They can vary in color but are usually a dark green. However, the younger
lice can be almost invisible. Since they are blood suckers, they can also inject bacteria or other toxic substances
into the fish. Lice will lay about 500 to a 1000 eggs on the surfaces of rocks. It only takes about 4
weeks for the eggs to hatch.
When applying medication to kill the parents, it must also be used to kill off all the generations that follows.
Some treatments may require more than a single application. If you do not use a follow up treatment, they will hatch outand find
a host. A young parasite can be on a fish for up to 6 weeks before you notice them. Follow all directions
for the medications to the letter.
When lice and anchor worms bite a fish, bacteria such as Aeromonas ( Hole in Side Disease) and Pseudomonas
can infect the skin. This bite can also cause ulcers and even death.
Recommended treatments for either parasite is Dimilin which is applied to the water, (As always turn off your
U.V.lights and follow directions). Do not guess on your gallons of water. Do not guess on application rates. Guessing
will kill fish!
One of the main symptoms of Lice or Anchor Worms is that the fish will try dislodge the parasite. They flash thoughout
the pond. They will rub themselves against the sides and bottom. The parasite causes the fish great discomfort and they
try to remove the parasite. When you see anything out of the ordinary with your fish, be aware, and monitor them
closely.
You
should never add chemicals of any kind to your pond and leave. Keep a close attention to your fish for any signs of
stress or discomfort.
Flukes
Skin or Gill Flukes are a parasite that can not be seen by the naked eye. You should have a microscope and take a scraping
to decide if your fish have these deadly parasites. These pest have hooks and use to attach themselves to their victims. Flukes,
are both egg layers and live bearers. Flukes will cause the fish to exhibit classic forms of irritation. Gill flukes will
suck on the gills of the fish. The fish will show sings of distress such as clamping their gill plates close to their
body or roll over on their sides. They will also stay to themselves and linger in the bottom of the pond.
Catch the fish you think might have gill flukes. Gently pull back the gill plate and observe the condition
of the gills. They should be pink and not a yellow or grey color, and not be covered in mucus. Treatment is mandatory
or death will be a certainty. Flukes are like fleas on cats or dogs. It's common to see one or two on a single
slide. A healthy fish can control parasite numbers and their mucus slime coat can help prevent the parasite from moving.
However, if flukes are seen in larger numbers, treatment is necessary.
Flukes will also carry aeromonas bacteria. Treatment is with Formalin. Care should be used when using this product. Cold
water will cause the formalin to sink and it will be hard to disperse for a full treatment. Formalin will also cause
oxygen levels to drop and destruction of good bacteria in your filter. I prefer to use Supaverm with salt as my
choice of treatment, (as always no U.V. lights during treatments) A course of 10 days is suggested for this treatment.
Shown below are other diseases and problems fish might have. More information will be added to this page in the
near future. Check back.....
