Read About Clown Fish Sick

Clown Fish Sick -- what are the causes, how to diagnose and what the available treatment methods are. Here's everything you need to know about this problem.

Clown Fish Sick - Facts

1. Problem Definition:

   There are many diseases that make a clown fish sick including Velvet or Oodinium, White Spot Disease, Brooklynella and Clownfish Disease. Apart from these diseases, excess algae and increased ammonium, nitrite and nitrate levels can also make a clown fish sick. White Spot disease is caused by a parasitic organism called Cryptocaryon irritant.

2. Symptoms:

   Symptoms vary from disease to disease, but the most common symptoms are the appearance of white spots on the gills; the fish is often seen scratching itself against objects and because of clogged gills the fish keep surfacing for air. The distinct features of each disease are seen in other symptoms. When the fish begins to lose color in patches you can be certain the infection is White Spot Disease. If cysts are manifested and a velvety powder-like substance is seen on the body, the disease is most likely Velvet or Oodinium. If the body of the fish has cysts accompanied by white mucus-like matter, the infection is Brooklynella or Clownfish Disease.

3. Duration of Problem:

   All of these diseases usually take more than 10 days to progress, and if they are not diagnosed and treated within that period a massive outbreak occurs and all the fish will die within a short period. Clownfish disease is known to kill fish in just a few days or even hours. Immediate treatment is called for in this particular case.

4. Exposure:

   All the three diseases are caused by parasites and one single infection could lead to rapid asexual reproduction resulting in a large-scale infection and the consequent death of all the fish in the aquarium.

Clown Fish Sick - Prevention & Treatment

1. The Treatment:

   Copper is an effective treatment during the initial stages of these diseases, but once the parasites go deeper than the gills, severe and prolonged measures are called for including the usage of Formalin and malachite green in conjunction with freshwater dips/baths. Full treatment will usually take about three to four weeks.

2. Prevention:

   Infection can reoccur if the parasites continue to remain in the tank, so the fish must be removed immediately. Leave the tank empty for at least four weeks, then clean the tank thoroughly, change the water, and clean all the filters.

3. Precautions:

   Fish should not be stressed unduly. Stress can only break down its immune system and increase its susceptibility to diseases. See to it that the filtration is very efficient and change at least 10% of the water every week.

4. Helpful Supplies:

   Copper is an important supply to have on hand.

Clown Fish Sick - Concerns

1. Level of Seriousness:

   All the diseases are very serious unless diagnosed and treated very quickly. Daily observation for behavioral and physical changes can help to identify problems before they become serious.

2. Lasting Consequences:

   Unless treated early, the clown fish could die, but with early treatment the fish usually recovers quite fast and does not display any lasting side effects.

3. Genetics:

   All marine fish are susceptible to these diseases. Clown fish and sea horses are more susceptible to Clownfish disease.

4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

   No major changes are required once the proper precautions and prevention measures are taken.

5. Expense:

   The treatment is quite inexpensive.