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

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)

GILL WORMS DACTYLOGYRUS DISEASE

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:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE™to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  5. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


Ich (Ichthyopthirius)

ICH ICHTHYOPTHIRIUS DISEASE

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:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. 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.

TOP


Hole-In-The-Head Disease (Hexamita)

HOLE-IN-THE-HEAD HOLE IN THE HEAD DISEASE HEXAMITA

Causative Agent: Hexamita and/or Spironucleus parasites infect the intestinal tract of many tropical fish, especially cichlids.

APPEARANCE:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  5. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


Fish Lice (Argulus)

FISH LICE ARGULUS DISEASE

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  5. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


Anchor Worms (Lernaea) & Skin Flukes (Gryrodactylus)

ANCHOR WORMS LERNAEA SKIN FLUKES GRYRODACTYLUS DISEASE

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:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  5. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


Neon Tetra-Like Disease

NEON TETRA-LIKE 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:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALA-GRAM™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. 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.

TOP


Velvet (Oodinium)

Velvet DISEASE (Oodinium)

Causative Agent: Velvet is caused by parasitic Oodinium species.

APPEARANCE:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  5. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


Subclinical Parasitic Infestation

Subclinical Parasitic Infestation DISEASE

Causative Agents: Tricodina, Ichthyobodo, and Chilodinella are protozoan parasites that infect the skin and gills of fish.

APPEARANCE:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of GENERAL CURE to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  5. This treatment process may be repeated if necessary.

ATTENTION:

TOP


II. FUNGI

Fungal Infectation

Fungal Infectation DISEASE

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:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of FUNGUS CURE™ to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.

ATTENTION:

TOP


III. BACTERIA

Mouth Fungus/Saddle Back Disease

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:

  1. Raised, gray patches are observed on the fins and mouth areas of fish.
  2. Live bearers, such as Guppies and Mollies, develop grayish patches on their backs, giving rise to the name "saddle back disease."
  3. Infected areas may develop into red ulcers and infect the gills, causing rapid loss of fish.

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  7. 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.

TOP


Fin and Tail Rot

Fin and Tail Rot DISEASE

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:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  7. 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.

TOP


Dropsy and Malawi Bloat

Dropsy and Malawi Bloat DISEASE

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:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALAGRAM to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. 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.

TOP


Eye Cloud, Pop Eye, and Body Slime

Eye Cloud, Pop Eye, and Body Slime DISEASE

Causative Agent: Bacterial pathogens include Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria or Streptococcus. Parasitic pathogens include Ichthyobodo, Trichodina and Chilodinella. See also Subclinical Parasite Infestation.

APPEARANCE:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  7. 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.

TOP


Furunculosis (Aeromonas)

Furnculosis (Aeromonas) DISEASE

Causative Agent: Aeromonas species are responsible for this common bacterial infection.

APPEARANCE:

Fish exhibit open red sores on the body.

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove activated carbon, and continue aeration. Add one dose of NALAGRAM to the aquarium as directed. Wait 48 hours and repeat the dose.
  4. Wait another 48 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  6. 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.

TOP


Bacterial Gill Disease

Bacterial Gill Disease

Causative Agent: This bacterial disease is caused by Pseudomonas species.

APPEARANCE:

TREATMENT:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  7. 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.

TOP


Bacterial Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Bacterial Hemorrhagic Septicemia DISEASE

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:

  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wait another 24 hours, then change 25% of the aquarium water.
  5. 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.
  6. Make a final 25% water change when treatment is complete. Add fresh activated carbon to remove residual medication from the aquarium.
  7. 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.

TOP