Signs of parasites in pond fish can set fear in the heart of any pond owner. You’ll need to know the basics of pond care and when to call a veterinarian, just in case the problem gets out of hand.
The best way to prevent any real catastrophes in your outdoor pond is to be well educated as to the operation of the pond and what the signs of problems might be. You can do this by ensuring that you have a good pond care book and that you read it regularly. You will be able to find good books in local pet stores, pet supply warehouses or from various Internet websites.
Behavior can be one of the better signs of parasites in pond fish. You will want to observe your pond and the fish which live in it daily. You will become accustomed to the personalities of your fish and you will begin to notice any subtle differences in their behaviors. If you see something which concerns you, go look it up in your pet care book. Things which should concern you are wagging back and forth, excessive darting, rubbing the sides of the pond, lethargy, fish which stay at the surface of the bottom of the pond, and a failure to eat. Each of these symptoms can mean different illnesses.
You’ll also want to be looking for any physical changes as signs of parasites in pond fish you have. Growths on fish, eye problems, fin issues, sores, ulcers, skin problems and an inability to maintain a healthy body structure (i.e.- your fish look bent in the middle) are all things which should concern you. If you are able to notice these soon enough, you can treat the water accordingly and heal the parasitic problems.
Before you treat the fish, you will want to test the water for signs of parasites in pond fish. If you treat your fish and the underlying problem with your pond is from a source which you don’t treat, you will face relapse after relapse with your fish. Eventually this cycle will wear them down and they will likely die from weakness and illness combined.
You will want to observe your fish regularly, notice subtle changes in them and test the water in your pond in order to recognize the signs of parasites in pond fish so you can fix whatever problems there may be in your pond.
