Aquarium Disease Symptoms
Even experienced aquarists have difficulty diagnosing bacterial diseases, parasitic infestations and fungal infections in fresh and saltwater aquarium fish. What holds true for one type of fish may not necessarily be the same for another type of fish. Many times, bacterial infections are mistaken for fungal infections. Recognizing symptoms of different diseases that affect aquarium fish is the first step in correct diagnoses and treatment.
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Parasitic
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Ichthyophthirius--This fish disease is commonly known as ich. Ich is a fatal, contagious parasite that will wipe out a freshwater or saltwater fish tank within a few days if not treated properly. The symptoms of ich are white spots that eventually cover the entire body of the fish.
Chilodonella--This external parasite causes fish to produce excess mucous that gives the body of the fish a blue-white film. Eventually, the skin peels off, the gills become damaged and the fish dies.
Trichodina--This parasite is external and found mostly in freshwater aquariums. The teeth of the parasite cause hemorrhaging and red areas on the body of the fish. The skin also appears cloudy.
Gyrodactylus--This parasite causes the fish to become weak and slow moving. It attacks the skin of the fish, fading its colors and ripping the fins.
Velvet fold dust--When a fish is infected with this parasite, its skin looks like it has been sprinkled with gold dust. The parasite affects the gills and the skin of the fish.
Protozoan velvet--This parasite causes small yellow and white spots with color loss of the skin. The fish also rub and scratch themselves against the bottom of the tank.
Bacterial
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Columnaris--This bacterial disease is commonly known as body fungus. It causes a whitish gray fungus to cover most of the body of the fish.
Dropsy--This bacterium causes the body of the fish to swell. The scales protrude from the body, and blood or red streaks are evident on the body.
Fin and tail rot--This bacterial disease causes the fins and tail of the fish to become shredded. When left untreated, the fins and tail completely rot off the fish. This causes the fish to be unable to swim upright and leads to death.
Popeye--This bacterium causes the eye of the fish to protrude from the eye socket and become cloudy.
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Fungal
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True fungus--This infection causes white cotton-like puffs to appear on the skin of the fish. It is similar in appearance to mold commonly found on bread. Most fungal infections appear at the site of a wound or injury. Once the fungus begins growing, it spreads rapidly and becomes larger. T
True fungal infections are difficult to treat and result in the death of the fish. This fungus also lives on dead fish eggs and kills live fish eggs. This is often mistaken for the bacterial infection body fungus.
Viral
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Lymphocystis is a viral disease has a cauliflower-like appearance. It appears as swollen, white nodes on the body of the fish and on the fins. It is a contagious virus but does not usually cause the death of the fish. Just as in humans, there is no treatment for a virus. If the condition worsens, the growths can be surgically removed.
Prevention/Solution
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Check the water temperature daily and adjust the heater to accommodate the types of fish in the tank. Also, make sure there is proper aeration and that the pump and filter are working correctly. Clean the filter monthly, and test the water for imbalances in PH and nitrites. Never leave dead fish in the tank, because the bodies will cause ammonia buildup.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ciar:Creative Commons, Thomas Kaczmarczyk:Creative Commons, Taipan 198:Creative Commons, 16Toki:Creative Commons
