Fish disease and antibiotics Antibiotic baths or dips provide another route for the treatment of bacterial fish diseases. However, baths and dips are not as effective as medicated food or injections for treating systemic infections or advanced ulceration. In general the best results come from antibiotic injections. Baths and dips are probably best used for ..
Fish disease is a fact of life and in common with all pet owners, fish-keepers need to be able to recognize the signs of ill-health in their fishy charges. These pages give a comprehensive view of common diseases including typical signs of disease and how to systematically diagnosis both health problems and their causes. An ..
A common but lethal disease The ciliated parasite Ichthyophthirius, more commonly known as white spot or Ich, is a very common fish disease capable of affecting virtually all fish species. Ich has a fairly complex life cycle that has a major bearing on treatment methods. The white spot trophont (photo below) forms a nodule under the skin ..
Bacterial ulcers a common, but difficult problem Bacterial ulcers are a common fish disease problem, particularly with ornamental pond fish such as goldfish and koi. They are one of the most difficult problems to deal with, especially if large numbers of fish are affected. Dealing effectively with bacterial ulcers can be time-consuming and really requires ..
Extremely irritating It is not uncommon to find small populations of the parasite Trichodina on fish. At low levels they don’t pose a threat to fish health. Unlike many parasites it doesn’t actually feed on fish; these parasites only use the fish host as a home and means of transport! However, in large numbers they are extremely ..
Parasites pose a very real risk to to fish All fish are potential hosts to many different species of parasites. Small numbers of parasites are common and probably do little harm. However, all parasites have tremendous reproductive potential and can, under ideal conditions, quickly overwhelm fish in the confines of a tank or pond. Types ..
Fungus and water moulds – what are they? Fungus is a common fish disease that can prove fatal if not treated early. Most fungal infections involve water moulds from the class Oomycetes (a group of fungi with similar characteristics). Although there are several water moulds that can affect fish, the most common and significant water ..
Skin flukes (Gyrodactylus ) and gill flukes (Dactylogyrus ) and fish health Skin and gill flukes are common fish parasites and in small numbers probably cause little harm. In large numbers both skin and gill flukes represent a serious threat to fish health. Flukes can cause lesions and tissue damage as well as producing side affects such as ..
Identifying fin rot Fin rot is a general term for necrotic loss of fin tissue, resulting in split or ragged fins. It is usually the edge of the fin that is attacked, although occasionally a hole may appear in the middle of the fin. The appearance of fin rot can vary between a distinct, semi-circular ..
Dermocystidium. koi Identifying Dermocystidium Dermocystidium. koi is an uncommon fish disease affecting koi although there are reports that other species may be affected. As its name suggests, Dermocystidium is a disease that affects the skin of koi and can be found on the gills, fins or body. It causes raised swellings varying in size from 1-2 cms to ..
