Tropical Fish Diseases

Fish diseases, you may get fish diseases and we suggest what it could be and the treatment or medication needed for these fish diseases.

Symptons of illness    What it could be Treatment

Your new fish have died - there are no obvious signs of illness 

New Tank Syndrome

Adding fish to a brand new aquarium stresses the fish, and sometimes it can be fatal. For more information check the: The Nitrogen Cycle

Loss of appetite.

An enviromental problem, newly-introduced fish can be slow to feed (stress), certain fishes will refuse anything but live foods.

Inspect for any signs of disease, and get a basic water tester (Ammonia etc). Be patient with them. Look for other signs of disease.

Cotton Wool effect on the body.

Mouth fungus

If you see this disease, can use medication (ie "Anti Fungus") and a Salt bath (1 teaspoon per gallon)

Small, white spots on the head, body and fins.

Whitespot (Ichthyophthirius)

A very common disease (especially in a new aquarium). There are several formulas around, dose the fish quickly before the parasite spreads. Salt could be used (1 teaspoon per gallon).

Appearance of a whitish film over the eye of the fish.

Poor water quality, poisoning (Chlorine) or Eye Fluke

Poor water: Water changes are required to stop fish poisoning: Make sure to condition tap water. Eye Fluke: Use medication

Fish are gasping on the bottom of the aquarium, red streaks around gills.

Most probably oxygen starvation, or a Gill disease

You have too many fish, an air punp may help. Gill diseases are quite rare, you could actually see the gills rot away: use medication.

Worms are visibly seen hanging from the gills, fish are gasping.

Gill Worm (Dactylogyrus)

This is another parasite. Use anti-parasite drugs as directed.

Small, worm like parasites attached to fish, fish scraping against rocks.

Anchor worm (lernea)

There are many Crustacean Parasites around that can be exported into your water through plants or the water your fish came with. Medicines are available.