Here are some more diseases you may see in your tropical aquarium.
- Fin rot — symptoms include rotting fins, loss of appetite, and fish lying on the bottom of the tank. Fin rot is caused by a bacterial infection. It is often a result of poor water quality, but may also be brought on by bullying from other fish. Increase the quality of your food, check your water parameters, and try separating your fish from any bullies. If those things don’t work, pick up medication at your local pet store.
- Fish fungus — a white or gray cotton-like growth on the body. This can be a secondary infection that comes on after your fish are already suffering from another illness. Frequent water changes can help; commercial medications are available.
- Hole in the head (also known as head and lateral line erosion) — you will see small holes or indentations on the head or lateral line of the fish. Nobody is sure exactly why this happens, but experts suspect poor water quality, lack of proper nutrition, and use of activated carbon for prolonged periods of time. Change out your activated carbon filters, offer vitamin enriched foods, and perform frequent water changes.
- Pop-Eye — one or both eyes will appear to be sticking out. This is usually the result of a bacterial infection, and you may need a medication from your local pet store.
- Swim bladder disease — your fish may have a difficult time staying upright and may hang oddly in the water. Goldfish are especially prone to this problem. Some aquarium experts believe this is a digestive issue and suggest not feeding your fish for a few days. Perform frequent small water changes — 10 % every week.
- Velvet — symptoms include yellow or grey dusty spots on the body, rapid gill movement, and rubbing against surfaces in the tank. This is a relatively common parasite seen in tropical fish. Pick up medication at your local pet store. You can often prevent velvet and ich by using a quarantine tank before introducing new fish into the main tank.
Remember to determine the disease and the cause before medicating. Your tank may be overcrowded or have water quality issues that are causing illness!