Do the fish in your fish tank look different? Do they have white patches, cloudy eyes, or ragged fins? Is their behavior unusual? Even well cared for fish can get sick, and when they do, The Pet Authority - Staging in Austin, MN has the fish health and wellness products to bring them back to their normal, healthy selves. We also stock everything you need to keep your fish healthy and balanced.
The help prevent your fish from getting sick, feed them properly and don't overcrowd the tank. Monitor temperature levels. Do your partial water replacements consistently. Occasionally, however, even with your best efforts, diseases find their way into an fish tank. Below are some typical aquarium fish illnesses and the signs that your fish might be suffering from them:
Ich, short for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is the most common fish tank parasite. Signs of ich (pronounced "ick") are: raised white spots, quick breathing, rubbing against accessories, or darting about the tank. There are medications and other treatments available for ich.
Other parasites include chilodonella, with symptoms similar to ich, and oodinium, aka rust, gold, or velvet dust disease, which causes an oddly colored dusting on the fish's body. There are also fish lice, anchor worms, flukes, and nematodes. Different symptoms include irregular swimming, loss of shade, excessive mucous, trouble breathing, and bloating or wasting.
After parasites, one of the most typical illnesses are bacterial infections, such as fin and tail rot. Signs and symptoms of the bacterial disease are white film, cloudy eyes, ragged fins, and open sores. Bacterial infections are difficult to treat since antibiotics can interfere with the aquarium and filter.
Fungal infections are much less frequent and commonly take the form of cotton-like growths.
Viral infections occur in goldfish and koi but are less common in other aquarium fish.
If you see or suspect any of these issues in your fish, it's a good idea to talk with an professional about diagnosis and treatment. Pictures and videos can be helpful in conveying the symptoms you're seeing.
The Pet Authority - Staging is your local pet store for all your fish requirements. You can find all you need at The Pet Authority - Staging in Austin, MN. Stop by our store or call (507) 396-2770 to talk to a member of our team today!
