Aquarium Manual
Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing and Treating diseases in your aquarium can be a frustrating process. Some diseases are hard to diagnose. Others have pathogens which may be immune to the effects of certain medications.
Here are some thoughts from our staff.
| Quick Links to Common Aquarium Ailments | ||
|---|---|---|
A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF FISH DISEASE
Courtesy of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
A WORD ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
- Antibiotic medications should only be used when definite symptoms appear. Overuse of antibiotics leads to increased drug resistance of bacterial fish pathogens. Underdosing with antibiotic medications also promotes resistance to the medication; consequently, you should always follow the directions carefully on medication packages.
- Always complete a regimen of treatment with an antibiotic medication before assessing its effectiveness, and choosing another medication if the treatment regimen was unsuccessful.
- In general when treating for a bacterial infection, it is best not to mix two different antibacterial medications together.
- Antibiotic medications should not be used in aquariums with live aquatic plants.
- In some cases of bacterial infection, a treatment may be ineffective due to drug resistance. Another antibiotic medication must then be chosen and applied.
- Most antibacterial medications may be used in conjunction with antifungal and antiparasitic medications, although it is best to treat one disease at a time.
DISEASE TREATMENT GUIDE
Use the following guide to detect the most common symptoms of parasitic, fungal and bacterial diseases, then follow the recommended treatments. In some cases, several medication choices are listed to treat a particular disease. Please make your treatment selection in the order that these medications are recommended. Bacterial pathogens are sometimes resistant to one of the medications; thus, if the first medication does not cure the disease it will be necessary to use the next medication listed.
I. PARASITES
Gill Worms (Dactylogyrus)
Causative Agent: Dactylogyrus are parasitic worms that attack the fins, skin, and especially the gills of tropical fish, goldfish and Koi. Gill worms are frequently found on newly imported fish.
APPEARANCE:
- Rapid breathing in fish may be accompanied by gasping at the surface of the water, or sitting on the bottom of the aquarium.
- Worms may be seen hanging from the gills.
- Gills undergo severe damage, leading to suffocation and death.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- Optional: Raise water temperature to 85°F (29°C). This will either speed up the life cycle of the parasites or create unfavorable conditions for them, which will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT@153 for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE™to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
Ich (Ichthyopthirius)
Causative Aqent: Ich, also known as White Spot Disease, is caused by the external parasite Ichthyophthirius multfitils. This microscooic parasite has a multistaged life cycle, and is invisible during its theront stage. Theront burrow into gill and skin tissue, causing severe electrolyte loss and gill damage, and prompting secondary bacterial and/or fungal infections. As the theront matures, it forms a characteristic cyst or white spot. This white spot or trophont will fall off the fish, mature, and release up to 2000 free-swimming tomites which reinfect the fish.
Please see Controlling Ich for more information.
APPEARANCE:
- Early symptoms of this infection in fish include darting in the aquarium and scratching against gravel and ornaments.
- Fish exhibit labored breathing and may remain at the water's surface, near filters and aeration devices.
- White spots may or may not be visible on fish.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- Optional: Raise water temperature to 85°F (29°C). Parasites can be killed only while they are in the free-swimming tomite stage, before they attach to fish. Raising the temperature speeds up the life cycle of the parasite, bringing them to the treatable, tomite stage.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of SUPER ICK CURE™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
Some scaleless fish are sensitive to this medication. Treatment with 1/2 the normal dose of SUPER ICK CURE is therefore recommended for aquariums containing scaleless fish.
Hole-In-The-Head Disease (Hexamita)
Causative Agent: Hexamita and/or Spironucleus parasites infect the intestinal tract of many tropical fish, especially cichlids.
APPEARANCE:
- The most obvious symptom is the pitting and erosion of skin and muscle tissue around the face of the fish. This erosion appears to be a symptom of the parasite's presence in the intestinal tract, not on the surface of the fish.
- Many fish exhibit poor appetite, weight loss and nervousness; death ultimately results.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
Fish Lice (Argulus)
Causative Agent: The parasitic crustacean, Arguius, moves over the external surfaces of tropical fish and goldfish, piercing the skin and sucking blood and tissue fluids. The piercing mouthparts damage fish skin, leading to secondary bacterial and/or bacterial infections.
APPEARANCE:
Argulus is easily identified by its round, flat shell and can often be observed moving about on fish.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- Optional: Raise water temperature to 85°F (29°C). This will either speed up the life cycle of the parasites or create unfavorable conditions for them, which will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
Anchor Worms (Lernaea) & Skin Flukes (Gryrodactylus)
Causative Agents: Anchor Worms (Lemia) are copepod parasites that attach to the bodies of tropical fish, goldfish and Koi. Fertilized female Lernia penetrate the skin and embed an anchor-like attachment into the fish, then begin to develop visible egg sacs. Gryrodactyius worms attach to the skin of tropical fish via hooks, where they feed on blood and body fluids. Secondary bacterial or fungal infections may occur following infestation by either of these parasites.
APPEARANCE:
- Lernia can be easily identified as a grayish worm attached to a fish. Fish tissue is often red at the point of the worms attachment; the worm has two egg sacs at its opposite end.
- Skin flukes are not visible without the aid of a microscope. Fish will scratch against objects in the aquarium and appear listless. A grayish film may form on the body.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution -- Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
Neon Tetra-Like Disease
Causative Agent: Plistophora hyphressobryconis is a microsporidium capable of infecting all tetras, angelfish, barbs and rasboras.
APPEARANCE:
Pilstophora infects the muscles of fish, resulting in loss of color and causing a deformed appearance. Fish loss can be high, and treatment is not always successful.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; microsporidian infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALA-GRAM™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Velvet (Oodinium)
Causative Agent: Velvet is caused by parasitic Oodinium species.
APPEARANCE:
- Parasites on the skin cause a golden, velvety appearance on the sides off fish.
- Gills are also infested, causing fish to breath in a labored manner and to scratch on objects in the aquarium.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
Subclinical Parasitic Infestation
Causative Agents: Tricodina, Ichthyobodo, and Chilodinella are protozoan parasites that infect the skin and gills of fish.
APPEARANCE:
- Fish may scratch on objects in the aquarium.
- Slimy skin on fish may develop.
- Labored breathing may be observed.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; parasites can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- Caution Freshwater invertebrates such as snails and crayfish should not be treated with GENERAL CURE. Remove invertebrates from an aquarium prior to treatment. Invertebrates may be returned to the aquarium 72 hours after the last treatment has been completed.
II. FUNGI
Fungal Infectation
Causative Agent: True fungal infections are caused by Saprolegnia and Achiya species.
APPEARANCE:
Whitish cottony tufts or patches appear on the mouth, skin and fins of tropical fish. goldfish and koi.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium: fungal infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of FUNGUS CURE™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
ATTENTION:
- This medication can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibacterial medications.
- FUNGUS CURE will cause a harmless green color in the aquarium which can removed with activated carbon.
III. BACTERIA
Mouth Fungus/Saddle Back Disease
Causative Agent: Flexibacter columnaris is a common bacteria found on the slime coating of both healthy and sick fish. Although disease caused by this organism is commonly called mouth fungus, it is actually a bacterial infection.
APPEARANCE:
- Raised, gray patches are observed on the fins and mouth areas of fish.
- Live bearers, such as Guppies and Mollies, develop grayish patches on their backs, giving rise to the name "saddle back disease."
- Infected areas may develop into red ulcers and infect the gills, causing rapid loss of fish.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of one of the following medications to the aquarium as directed: FURAN-2™or TRIPLE SULFA™or E.M. TABLETS™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 24 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Repeat this treatment procedure for a second time. A total of four doses of any one of the antibacterial medications listed above may be applied.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Fin and Tail Rot
Causative Agent: Several bacterial infections can cause degradation of the fins and tails of tropical fish, goldfish and Koi. These pathogens include Flexibacter columnaris, Nocardia, Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas species.
APPEARANCE:
- Fins appear ragged and split. Disease can progress until fins and tail are completely eroded.
- Secondary fungal infections commonly occur.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add new fish to the infected aquarium; bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- 2. To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of one of the following medications to the aquarium as directed: FURAN-2, TRIPLE SULFA, T.C. CAPSULES™or E.M. TABLETS to the aquarium as directed. Wait 24 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Repeat this treatment procedure for a second time. A total of four doses of any one of the antibacterial medications listed above may be applied.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Dropsy and Malawi Bloat
Causative Agent: Internal Aeromonas bacterial infections most commonly cause this disease. Viral and internal parasitic pathogens (Mitasproa cyprini) have also been indicated, but are untreatable.
APPEARANCE:
- Fish develop a bloated appearance due to accumulation of fluid in the body cavity.
- Scales may appear to stick out from the sides of fish.
- In advanced cases, goldfish lose the ability to swim, and float upside down.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Remove any dead fish immediately. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALAGRAM to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Eye Cloud, Pop Eye, and Body Slime
Causative Agent: Bacterial pathogens include Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria or Streptococcus. Parasitic pathogens include Ichthyobodo, Trichodina and Chilodinella. See also Subclinical Parasite Infestation.
APPEARANCE:
- Eyes develop a whitish haze and/or protrude from the head.
- Hazy or slimy patches appear on the bodies of fish.
- If infested with parasites, fish may scratch on objects in the aquarium and exhibit rapid breathing.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of one of the following medications to the aquarium as directed: FURAN-2, TRIPLE SULFA or E.M. TABLETS. Wait 24 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Repeat this treatment procedure for a second time. A total of four doses of any one of the antibacterial medications listed above may be applied.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
Note: Refer to Subclinical Parasite Infestation for parasite treatment.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuti- cals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Furunculosis (Aeromonas)
Causative Agent: Aeromonas species are responsible for this common bacterial infection.
APPEARANCE:
Fish exhibit open red sores on the body.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium: bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALAGRAM to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Bacterial Gill Disease
Causative Agent: This bacterial disease is caused by Pseudomonas species.
APPEARANCE:
- Visual diagnosis is often difficult.
- Fish may breathe heavily and show bright red gills.
- FIsh may sit on the bottom of the aquarium, or near filter return at the water's surface.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium; bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of one of the following medications to the aquarium as directed: FURAN-2, TRIPLE SULFA or T.C. CAPSULES. Wait 24 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Repeat this treatment procedure for a second time. A total of four doses of any one of the antibacterial medications listed above may be applied.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.
Bacterial Hemorrhagic Septicemia
Causative Agent: Pseudomonas, Aeromonas or Streptococcus
bacterial species can infect the bloodstream of fish.
APPEARANCE:
Fish show blood streaks in the fins and body.
TREATMENT:
- Quarantine the aquarium. Do not remove or add fish to the infected aquarium: bacterial infection can be spread to other aquariums by nets, algae scrapers and wet hands.
- To aid osmoregulation and ease stress of infected fish, add 1 tablespoonful (20g) of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals AQUARIUM SALT for each 5 gallons (19L) of aquarium water.
- Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of one of the following medications to the aquarium as directed: FURAN-2, NALA-GRAM, E.M TABLETS, TRIPLE SULFA, or TC CAPSULES. Wait 24 hours and repeat the dose.
- Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
- Repeat this treatment procedure for a second time. A total of four doses of any one of the antibacterial medications listed above may be applied.
- Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
- The treatment process may be repeated if necessary.
Note: Refer to Subclinical Parasite Infestation for parasite treatment.
ATTENTION:
These medications can be used in conjunction with Aquarium Pharmaceutcals anti-parasitic and anti-fungal medications.