Pond Fish Health
ICH – White spot disease. Any parasitic infection is usually easy to cure if treated quickly with an effective dose of copper. If the dosage is too low, not all parasites are killed and re-infection results. If treatment is delayed, the parasites may become so numerous that they choke the gills and the fish suffocates or the fish becomes so weak it cannot recover. Treatment should continue for at least 4 days and a good rule of thumb is to treat the system every day until no sign of infection is visible, then treat one more day.
Signs of a parasite infestation are:
1. Visible spots, usually white. 2. Rapid or heavy breathing. Some parasites will attack the gills before any can be seen on the fins or body, and the fish may die from suffocation. 3. Scratching. If a fish constantly rubs against objects in the system and looks like he is trying to dislodge something, he is probably trying to rub something off and it is probably parasitic.
OODINIUM: This is actually a form of algae parasitic on fishes.
ANCHOR WORMS: These are easily visible and look like little sticks about 1/4″ long protruding from the body or fins. They are firmly attached and when pulled out may hold onto a piece of flesh.
FISH LICE: Are crustacean parasites with similar treatment as per anchor worms. They are about one quarter inch flattened discs with rasping mouth parts and hook-armored legs capable of damaging fins and skin.
LYMPHOCYSTIS: This is a virus that lives off of impurities in the water while attached to a fish. It does not live off the fish like ICH, but may kill indirectly by interfering with gill movement, swimming ability, or eating.
BACTERIA: Bacteria grow erratically and are often white or milky in appearance. A bacteria infection may be localized or may be evident on several areas of the fish. Bacteria infections are likely to be found in or around open sores or any area where the fish has lost it’s protective slime coating.
FUNGUS: Fungus spreads evenly, starting from a central point and growing in an outward pattern. Several areas may grow outward until they overlap and give the appearance of a bacteria infection. Fungus is white with a velvety or even hairy appearance. It is most likely to be found on the mouth, eyes, or tips of the fins.
POPEYE: This is a symptom, not a disease caused by a specific organsim. It is manifested by swelling behind the eye(s), or in the eye(s). The swelling may be caused by many factors but is most commonly caused by bacteria.
SWIM BLADDER DISEASE: The swim bladder is the organ which allows a fish to stay at any level in the water column without sinking or floating. The swim bladder may fail from damage by bacteria, parasites, genetic faults, or blows and/or bruises. When the swim bladder fails to function the fish loses it’s ability to swim normally and may swim sideways or even upside down.
DROPSY: Dropsy is a name given to any disease that causes a fish to swell so much that the scales no longer lay flat against the body of the fish. By looking down on a fish you can easily spot a case of dropsy.
SUFFOCATION: Rapid breathing or gulping near the top of the tank may mean a fish is not getting enough oxygen. This may be caused by:
1. No air circulation. 2. Temperature is too high. 3. The water surface is covered. 4. Parasites. 5. Overmedication burning gills, rupturing blood cells, causing too much mucus production.
BRAIN DAMAGE: Fish may show any unusual symptoms. This should be only offered as a diagnosis after all other possibilities have been ruled out. Erratic, jerky swimming or spinning are common signs of brain damage. Brain damage can be caused by parasites, bruising (concussion), high or low temperatures, or toxins.
TOXINS: Symptoms look the same as brain damage, but all or most of the fish in the system are affected at once. Spinning is the most frequent sign of a toxin.
OPEN SORES: These can be caused by:
1. PH that is too high or low. 2. Scraping on rocks or other objects. 3. Bites. 4. Parasites. 5. Internal infections reaching the outside. 6. Net damage during handling.