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Thread: Freshwater/Tropical Fish diseases

  1. #1
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    Freshwater/Tropical Fish diseases

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    Notcatfish.com is kind to contributed some information on fish disease to start this thread.

    Please help us keep this thread informative. If you have images, please send them to me at [email protected]

    To post new disease information, please use the following template.
    Template

    Name :
    Sign of Infection :
    Fish Affected :
    Details of Infection :
    Treatment :
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Anchor worm

    Sign of infection :
    Worms up to 20mm long, 1-2mm wide clinging to the fish's body.

    Fish affected :

    Details of Infection :
    The Anchor worm's life-cycle begins with larvae hatching from eggs in the water. The larvae is free swimming until it finds a suitable host where upon it attaches itself to the gills. Here, the larvae mature and breed after which the males stop becoming parasitic and leave the fish. It is the females that reattach themselves to the host and develop into the worm-like parasites which can be seen clinging to the fish's body.
    It is in the spring when the females lay their eggs after which they either die or produce subsequent broods. As the females die, they leave openings on the host's skin which often allows a secondary fatal infection to enter.

    Treatment :
    Adult worms can sometimes be physically removed individually but this is a very stressful process. Often the most effective treatment is a salt dip or commercial chemical remedy. To fully eradicate the anchor worm parasite one must remember to attack both the adult and the free swimming larvae to prevent reinfection.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name :Cauliflower / Raspberry Disease

    Sign of infection :
    Small white spots appear on the body and fins. They develop in to small cauliflower growths up to 2mm in size.

    Fish affected :
    All tropical aquarium fish can be affected particularly gouramis

    Details of infection
    Cauliflower disease or Lymphocystis as it is scientifically known, is caused by a viral infection. Initially the growths look like White Spot but then they develop in to cauliflower like growths. The disease can be transmitted between fish and can spread rapidly in the aquarium.
    The tumour may take several weeks to develop from white spots to the cauliflower like growths and eventually infected fish deteriorate and die however, in some cases, infected fish recover quickly without treatment.

    Treatment
    As with most viruses, treatment is uncertain. It is suggested that trimming the fins may help followed by several bathings in Malachite Green. Disposal of the affected fish is the only other option.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Chilodonella

    Signs of infection :
    A whitish film covers the skin primarily around the head and dorsal fin. If the film covers the gills, the fish's respiration rate may be increased. Affected fish also rub on hard objects such as rocks or the substrate. In the latter stages of the disease the skin will appear swollen and begin to fall away and the fish may have difficulty swimming.

    Fish affected :
    Chilodonella, Chilodonella cyprini, is widespread and affects all tropical aquarium fish particularly if injured.

    Details
    The film is cause by a single cell parasite covered in hairs which enable it to swim. The parasite initially attacks injured fish but in crowded aquariums will host on healthy fish slowly debilitating its host. Dead fish must be removed quickly as the cell leaves the body within two hours.

    Treatment
    Commercial chemical remedies are available but an equally successful treatment is a strong (3%) salt dip. Keep the fish in the salt dip until they roll over then transfer them back to the aquarium. A less stressful alternative to this is a 1% salt solution for around 10 minutes then return the fish to a clean, preferably warm (82-86°F) aquarium. One must remember that the parasites may remain free swimming in the infected aquarium and these must be dealt with to prevent reinfection. The parasites will die if left in a fish free aquarium for 5 days at 86°F.

    Also ensure that good water quality exists and the water is well oxygenated.
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    Name : Cloud eyes



    Signs of infection :
    One or both eyes appear cloudy. The fish may also be off colour or distressed.

    Fish affected :
    Cloudy eye affects many tropical aquarium fish including, Barbs, Cichlids, Live-bearers and, as shown above, Catfish.

    Details of infection
    Cloudy eye is usually attributed to various bacterial infections. Cloudy-eye causes damage to the nervous system.

    Treatment
    Normally rectification of poor environmental factors alleviates the condition. Perform a water change and check water quality and filter maintenance.
    The addition of salt to the aquarium can also eases the disease and prevents reinfection alternatively use a commercial anti bacterial medication.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Columnaris

    Sign of infection :
    A white film covers the body, mainly on the head but also on the fins and gills. The body of the fish becomes ulcerated and the fins frayed. In the latter stages of infection parts of the lips and head may become eaten away.

    Fish affected :
    Columnaris affects many tropical fish primarily Live-bearers.

    Details :
    Columnaris or cotton wool disease, is caused by the bacteria Flexibactor columnaris. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly via contaminated nets and other aquarium equipment. The bacteria can can enter the fish through any small grazes or wounds where upon the signs of infection detailed above develop.

    Treatment :
    Treatment must be administered quickly as fish usually die within 24 hours. Some anti-bacterial medications can be effective and again the addition of salt to the water may be beneficial. Aquarium equipment should be disinfected using the same medication. The best cure is prevention - maintain a clean environment for your fish.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Costia

    Sign of infection :
    Affective fish may scratch against hard objects however, awkward swimming with fins clamped and the appearance of a velvety grey film on the fish's body is a characteristic of the disease.

    Fish affected :
    Freshwater fish maintained below 77°F.

    Details of Infection :
    A microscopic organism that attaches itself to the host fish and destroys skin cells. The Costia cyst usually only attacks weakened fish but can be very prolific in over crowded tanks as the organism can only survive up to one hour without a host. However, some cysts can lie dormant for some time before releasing a fresh supply of parasites.
    If infestation occurs, fish usually only survive for a few days.

    Treatment :
    The cyst is less active at temperatures dies at temperatures above 77°F and will die if the temperature rises above 86°F for more than 5 hours therefore, heat is the simplest cure. Alternative treatments include a traditional strong (3%) salt dip combines with transfer of the fish to a healthy quarantine tank or a commercial anti-parasitic remedy applied to the main aquarium.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Dropsy



    Signs of infection
    Sunken eyes and a characteristic pine cone appearance caused by the scales sticking out from a swollen body.

    Fish affected
    All tropical aquarium fish can be affected particularly gouramis and Live-bearers.

    Details of Infection
    Dropsy or Ascites as it is scientifically known is caused by a bacterial infection usually brought about by environmental factors.
    Due to damaged heart and blood vessels, the body swells as fluid builds up in the abdomen and behind the eyes. This causes the scales to protrude like a pine cone. Sometimes scales will fall away and ulcers may appear.

    Treatment
    Commercial treatments are available and can be successful if used early. In my experience, by the time the disease is diagnosed, too much damage has been done to the internal organs of the fish for it to be saved. Unfortunately the most humane solution is often disposal of the fish.
    A preventative course of medication is often wise as other fish may be infected but may not yet show signs of the disease. In any case, address any poor water quality or filter maintenance issues.
    Dead fish should be removed from the aquarium quickly to prevent transmission of the infection via cannibalism.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : False Neon disease

    Signs of infection :
    Similar to Neon Disease. Pale white patches appear under the skin beneath the dorsal fin. The fish also becomes emaciated and may swim erratically.
    When symptoms show suspect Neon Disease as an alternative.

    Fish Affected :
    Primarily Characins. Chilodonea can give similar symptoms on Tetras.

    Details of infection :
    The disease is caused by bacterial infection.

    Treatment :
    One must be certain that False Neon Disease (not Neon Disease) is the problem. Some anti bacterial remedies are successful however, correction of environmental factors will prevent re infestation.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Fish fungus



    Signs of infection :
    Cotton wool like fungus growths occurring anywhere on the fish.

    Fish Affected :
    Fish fungus, Saprolegnia sp. and Achlya sp., can affect all fish.

    Details of infection :
    Fungi spores are naturally present in water. The fungi, like their land relations, are actually plants that grow and thrive on dead organic matter. Thus only damaged fish are susceptible and healthy fish will resist infection. Usually a graze or wound will attract fungus however sometimes a wound is due to infection by another parasite such as worms or flukes. In this instance both the fungus and the primary cause of infection must be treated. If left to develop, fungus will kill the fish.
    Fungus is most often seen growing on infertile eggs. Infected eggs should be removed to prevent contamination of healthy eggs. In a breeding tank, Methylene Blue is usually added to inhibit fungal growth on infertile eggs.

    Treatment :
    Chemical treatments such as Malachite Green are most efficient at eradicating fungus. Methylene Blue is an alternative but the chemical will stain silicone sealant and affects filter bacteria. In mild cases a strong (3%) salt bath can be effective. Good water conditions and a slight raise in temperature also suppresses attack.
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    Name : Fish Tuberculosis



    Signs of infection :
    Any of the following symptoms may indicate Fish Tuberculosis; Abnormal swimming, loss of colour, lumps or sores on the body or lack of appetite.

    Fish Affected :
    Fish Tuberculosis can affect all aquarium fish particularly Gouramis, Tetras and Cyprinids.

    Details of infection :
    Often the bacteria that is responsible for fish TB is present but causes no ill effects. Only when fish are weakened or poor environmental factors prevail do fish become affected. In this instance the disease can spread rapidly eradicating the entire aquarium.
    The bacteria, Mycobacterium sp., can affect humans. It is important not to swallow aquarium water when siphoning from the tank and to wash your hands after maintaining the aquarium.

    Treatment :
    Good tank maintenance will help prevent initial infection however, once the disease takes hold the only recourse is to humanly dispose of the infected fish. Infected fish should be removed from the aquarium immediately as the bacteria is quickly spread by cannibalism.
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    Name : Finrot / Tail rot

    Signs of infection :
    Initially the fins or appear opaque. In the later stages of the disease, the fins begin to disintegrate completely.

    Fish Affected :
    All tropical aquarium fish can be affected but fish with long or trailing fins such as Bettas or Angel fish are particularly susceptible.

    Details of infection :
    The disease is caused by the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Vibrio anguillarium. The bacteria normally only takes hold when poor environmental factors exist. Infected fish usually die when the fin disintegration reaches the body.
    Fins damaged by fin nipping are also prone to bacterial infection and similar symptoms often emerge. Bacterial infections can cause a wide range of symptoms including lumps, spots and moulds. Often, bacterial infections sufficiently weaken the infected fish to the extent that viruses, and parasites take hold.

    Treatment :
    Initially environmental factors should be corrected. Check the water quality and rectify as appropriate. Then administer the appropriate anti bacterial medication. Raising the water temperature 1 or 2 degrees often helps as does the addition of salt to the water.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Hole-In-The-Head

    Signs of infection :
    Initially small holes appear on the head with a tiny white parasite protruding. In the later stages the holes become larger as the skin is eaten away. The fish may also show more intense colour, swim unevenly and show signs of malnutrition.

    Fish Affected :
    Most common in Discus but also seen in Angelfish and some Gouramis.

    Details of infection :
    Spironucles sp. and Hexamita sp. are the parasites to blame for this disease. It is thought that they are passed on by being taken in by food where the parasite multiplies in the intestine and spreads via the bloodstream. Out breaks are more prolific in crowed aquariums.

    Treatment :
    Specific anti parasitic medication is available to treat Hole-in-the-head also known as Hexamita. Your veterinary surgeon can also prescribe a medication which is taken with food to tackle the parasite. The chosen medication of Jack Wattley (famed discus breeder) is Mentronidazole, trade name "Flagyl". He suggests one treatment a day for four days.
    It is important to perform a large 30-40% water change before treatment and if possible raise the temperature to 92°F. It is advisable to remove plants as they will wither at such temperatures.
    Early treatment is important as the holes that the parasite create often leave the fish open to a secondary infection.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : White Spot (Ich)









    Signs of infection :
    Fish may rub against hard objects and swim with clamped fins. Small white spots (1-2mm), initially seen on the fins but eventually visible all over the body including the gills, are characteristic of this parasite.

    Fish Affected :
    All aquarium fish are suspectable.

    Details of infection :
    Caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The parasite has a simple life cycle lasting just over 3 weeks. Highly mobile free swimming larvae must find a host fish within 48 hours of hatching before they die. Once on a host, they penetrate the skin and feed on the underlying tissue and body fluids. It is at this stage they appear as white spots on the fish. They can remain on the host and grow for up to 20 days. Growth ceases at temperatures below 50°F and is fatal to the parasite above 84°F. However, growth is most rapid at tropical temperatures and the cyst is highly infectious.
    Once mature, the Ichthyophthirius multifiliis parasites fall from the fish and attach themselves to any solid object. Here, they encase themselves in a protective membrane and begin to multiply by division. After around 18 hours, the membrane opens releasing up to 1000 new larvae and so the cycle begins again.
    Fish are especially prone to white spot if transported for some time and exposed to a prolonged temperature drop. Similarly, aquariums placed near windows or doors may be subject to drafts that can initiate the parasite.

    Treatment :
    Sometimes rasing the temperature can stall the disease but may prove too stressful for some fish. The best cure is to attack the parasite in the free swimming stage with a commercial chemical remedy containing Malachite green. These treatments are very effective and these should be applied on days 1,2,3 and 6 to attack all existing and new free swimming larvae during their 48 hour search for a host. Treatment should continue for up to 2 weeks after all visible signs of the parasite have gone as the parasite may still be present in the substrate in their "gestation" stage or may just be emerging from the fish. Read the instructions on chemical treatments carefully as some treatments are not suitable for small scaled or scaleless fish such as elephant fish or loaches.
    Survivors of White Spot usually acquire an immunity to reinfection however they may remain carriers without showing signs of infection.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Neon Disease




    Signs of infection :
    Similar to False Neon Disease. Pale white patches appear under the skin beneath the dorsal fin. The fish also becomes emaciated and may swim erratically.
    When symptoms show suspect False Neon Disease as an alternative.

    Fish Affected :
    Primarily Characins. Originally found in Neon Tetras hence the name but also prolific with Cyprinids such as the Danios.

    Details of infection :
    Unlike False Neon Disease, Neon Disease is caused by a parasitic single called organism called Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. The cell, releases millions of spores in to the water during reproduction. The spores are consumed with food by the fish where they then entre the intestine. The spores grow and replace the muscle fibres weakening the fish. If an infected fish becomes wounded or dies, the spores can escape and infect a new host.

    Treatment :
    Commercial remedies are usually ineffective as by the time diagnosis is confirmed the fish is too weak to be saved. Infected fish should therefore be removed immediately to prevent further infestation. The problem occurs when attempting to rid the tank of free swimming spores. Often the only solution is to strip down and disinfect the aquarium however, some aquarists suggest that using a diatom filter can trap the cells and clear the tank.
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    Name : Nodulard Disease

    Signs of infection :
    White lumps or boils appear anywhere on the body.

    Fish Affected :
    Mainly confined to Carp but can affect a variety of aquarium fish particularly Cichlids.

    Details of infection :
    Caused by Sporozoans, single celled spores that can multiply and spread rapidly. The spore's life cycle usually begins by ingestion to the intestinal tract by the fish. Here the spores infest the bloodstream penetrating internal organs before forming visible cysts and boils on the fish's body. When these boils rupture, millions of spores are released and so the cycle begins.

    Treatment :
    Unfortunately chemical remedies are frequently in effective and the only recourse is removal and humane disposal of the infected fish.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Pop eye



    Signs of infection :
    One or both eyes protruding abnormally.

    Fish Affected :
    All aquarium fish are vulnerable.

    Details of infection :
    Numerous infestations including fish tuberculosis, dropsy, and bacterial infections can cause pop-eye. Look for other signs of infection.

    Treatment :
    Dependant on the cause, anti-bacterial or anti-parasitic chemicals may be effective.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Septicaemias

    Signs of infection :
    Reddish patches appear on the skin anywhere on the body.

    Fish Affected :
    All aquarium fish are suspectable.

    Details of infection :
    Caused by a bacterial infection manifesting in weakened fish. The infection spreads quickly and fish do not survive long.
    The bacteria usually occurs when poor environmental conditions prevail.

    Treatment :
    Frequent water changes usually prevent the disease however, outbreaks can be controlled by application of a commercial anti-bacterial remedy even when infection appears advanced.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Skin Flukes

    Signs of infection :
    Flukes are sometimes difficult to spot with the naked eye however, look for the fish rubbing against hard objects or the skin appearing opaque or inflamed.

    Fish Affected :
    All aquarium fish are vulnerable.

    Details of infection :
    Skin flukes are tiny worms up to 0.8mm that spend their entire life cycle on the fish.

    Treatment :
    In most cases a strong (3%) salt dip is effective in removing the flukes. Alternatively, treatment with a commercial chemical remedy is successful.
    Good aquarium conditions prevent occurrences of the worms.
    人的一生﹐ 全靠奮斗﹐ 唯有奮斗﹐ 才能成功

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    Name : Swimbladder Trouble

    Signs of infection :
    The fish will swim awkwardly and be unable to maintain balance. Additionally, the fish may sink to the bottom of the aquarium unable to rise without great effort or remain on its side at the surface.

    Fish Affected :
    All aquarium fish are vulnerable.

    Details of infection :
    Normally behaviour is the symptom of another disease otherwise a failing of the swimbladder is the cause. look for a secondary infection.

    Treatment :
    There is no cure for this condition however, a mild salt bath or feeding of live foods may relieve the problem. The condition is not contagious.
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