Do the fish in your aquarium look different? Do they have white spots, cloudy eyes, or ragged fins? Is their behavior unusual? Even well cared for fish can get sick, and when they do, Odyssey Pets in Dallas, TX 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 regularly. In some cases, however, even with your best efforts, diseases find their way into an fish tank. Below are some common aquarium fish diseases and the signs that your fish may be struggling with them:
Ich, short for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, is the most common aquarium parasite. Signs of ich (pronounced "ick") are: elevated white spots, rapid 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, also known as rust, gold, or velvet dust disease, which causes an oddly tinted dusting on the fish's body. There are also fish lice, anchor worms, flukes, and nematodes. Various signs and symptoms include erratic swimming, loss of color, excessive mucous, trouble breathing, and bloating or wasting.
After parasites, one of the most common illnesses are bacterial infections, such as fin and tail rot. Symptoms of the bacterial disease are white film, cloudy eyes, ragged fins, and open sores. Bacterial infections are challenging to treat because antibiotics can interfere with the aquarium and filter.
Fungal infections are much less regular and usually 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.
Odyssey Pets is your local pet store for all your fish requirements. You can find all you need at Odyssey Pets in Dallas, TX. Stop by our store or call (972) 407-1166 to talk to a member of our team today!