Read About Common Fish Diseases

Common Fish Diseases can range from fungal, parasitic and other infections to the incurable ammonia poisoning. Here's everything you need to know about this problem.

Common Fish Diseases - Facts

  1. Problem Definition:

    The diseases that most commonly afflict fish range from White Spot to fungus and velvet.
  2. Symptoms:

    The symptoms vary with each disease. White spot manifests as white spots on the gills of the fish. External bacterial infection is identified by red streaks on the body, while ammonia poisoning is diagnosed by bleeding gills and gasping fish at the surface of the water. Dropsy symptoms include a swollen stomach and scales turning outward; white formations on the gills and mouth is common in fungus infections; parasites like flatworms and lice are clearly visible on the body of the fish; and velvet is diagnosed by cysts and a velvety dust-like substance on the body.
  3. Duration of Problem:

    The duration varies from disease to disease, but every disease listed here is a serious infection and unless timely action is taken all the fish in the tank die within two to three weeks.
  4. Exposure:

    White spot and velvet are caused by parasites, as are other parasitic infections. Ammonia poisoning is caused by improper ammonia levels in the water. The rest of the diseases are caused by various fungus and bacteria. Poor tank maintenance is usually the root cause of diseases, and in some cases stress causes a breakdown in the fish's immunity system.

Common Fish Diseases - Prevention & Treatment

  1. The Treatment:

    White spot and velvet are treated by copper in the early stages, but as the infliction deepens, more diligent treatments are needed like freshwater dips/baths and the use of formalin and other medicines. Fungal infections and dropsy are easily treated with specific medicines like penicillin, tetracycline, Epsom salts, etc. Visible parasites such as flatworms must be manually removed from the water and then the fish should be treated with a commercial medicine. Tetracycline, penicillin and other medicines cure external bacterial infections. Ammonia poisoning has no cure. To prevent a recurrence of the disease after treatment, follow the rigorous preventative measures listed below:
  2. Prevention:

    A cured fish doesn't mean the infecting organisms are dead. The aquarium still contains harmful bacteria and organisms that have to be removed. Move the fish into another tank; let the infected tank stand empty for at least four weeks before washing thoroughly. Also clean all the tank accessories, including the filters. Add clean, treated water before re-introducing the fish to the tank.
  3. Precautions:

    Check the fish for physical problems or abnormal behavior regularly. Also change 10% of water in the tank every week and check the water regularly for phosphate, pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels.
  4. Helpful Supplies:

    Always have a supply of inexpensive medicines on hand so you're ready to treat any infection or disease immediately.

Common Fish Diseases - Concerns

  1. Level of Seriousness:

    White spot, velvet, and ammonia poisoning are all very serious. The other diseases are fairly easy to treat but delaying treatment could seriously impact the fish's recovery.
  2. Lasting Consequences:

    There are no known lasting side effects or debilitating consequences for any of these diseases.
  3. Genetics:

    All fish are prone to the diseases mentioned above, depending on their immune system.
  4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

    No major changes are warranted.
  5. Expense:

    All the medicines to treat these diseases are fairly inexpensive and easy to find at any aquarium store.