This article lists the most common ailments in community tank fishes. It will make it easy for you to identify issues in your fish collection and take necessary actions in a timely manner.
Basics
Early detection and cure go a long way in saving your fish.
While many of the diseases are curable, if they are not detected and treated in the early stages, they can prove fatal and might even impact other tank mates adversely.
A few of them are not detectable until they reach advanced stages (like dropsy).
Always quarantine the infected fish in a hospital tank (separate/temporary) tank.
This will stop the disease from spreading, reduce stress factors, and enable closer monitoring of the fish during treatment.
Avoid using medication(s) containing any ingredient(s) known to be toxic to specific fish (like sea stars are toxic to copper-based or anti-parasitic medications)
It’s recommended that you consult a fish vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is always better to consult them for choosing and administering any over-the-counter medicine.
When administering over-the-counter medicines, use only half the recommended dose for scaleless fish, fish with tiny scales, or fish-eels (like Yoyo Loaches, Kuhli Loaches, Tire Track Eels, etc.) as they are highly sensitive to medications.
Types of Fish Diseases and Names of Common Diseases in Each Type
| A. Common Bacterial Diseases in Fish | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
Cotton Mouth/Columnaris / Cotton Wool/Saddle back / Guppy/ Flexibacter / False Neon Disease Red Pest |
|
None |
| B. Common Fungal Diseases in Fish (Opportunistic as it targets fish with weaker immunity) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
Body Fungus/Saprolegniasis Branchiomycosis/Gill Rot (also infects brackish water fishes) Dermatomycosis |
|
None |
| C. Common Viral Diseases in Fish | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
None |
Lymphocystis |
None |
| D. Common Parasitic Diseases in Fish | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
Velvet/Rust/Gold Dust Disease* Leeches |
Flukes Nematoda / Nematodes / Roundworms Anchor Worm Ergasilus / Gill Lice Fish Louse / Argulus/Common Fish Louse / Fish Lice Black Spot / Black Ick / Diplopstomiasis |
Marine Velvet Disease* Marine Leeches (rare) |
| E. Common Protozoan Diseases in Fish | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
Ich / Ick / White Spot Disease / Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis Tetrahymena Pyriformis / Uronema in Freshwater Ichthyobodosis / Costiasis / Costia Neon Tetra Disease (first found in Neon Tetra fish) |
Salmonoid Whirling Disease / Whirling Disease Hexamitiasis / Hexamita |
Marine Ich / Crypt / Marine White Spot Disease / Cryptocaryon Irritans Uronema Marinum / Scuticociliatosis / Scutica infection Ichthyobodosis in Marine Fish Brooklynellosis / Clownfish Disease |
| F. Common Protozoan Diseases in Fish | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishes | Both (Freshwater and Marine Fishes) | Saltwater/Marine Fishes |
Red-spot Disease / Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) / Mycotic Granulomatoses (MG) / (impacts brackish water fishes too) |
Swim Bladder Disease Hole-In-The-Head (HITH)/ Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) Scoliosis/Bent Spine Pop-eye (Exophtalmia) / Other eye problems Skinny/Wasting |
None |
Details of all Common Diseases in Fish
The following table gives details of each disease as follows:
Name/Type – Popular names/ Contagious, fatal, etc.
Causes – Possible causes
Symptoms – Possible symptoms
Basic Treatment – Basic steps in treatment
| Table A – Common Bacterial Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Type | Causes | Symptoms | Basic Treatment |
Fish Tuberculosis Contagious, Maybe fatal Can be passed from fish to humans |
Adding a TB carrier fish or Adding infected items in the tank (plants, decor, etc. (which have the bacteria) |
Loss of appetite Lazy/laid back Fin/Tail rot, clamped fins Lesions or ulcers on body Skinny appearance, hollow belly Loss of scales, color, Skeletal deformity (like a bent spine) Prefers to hide in the tank (unusual behavior) |
Isolate the affected fish carefully (it can infect you), into a hospital tank Nutritional diet quality to boost immunity Administer strong antibiotics for TB (2 different medications for at least 3 months Consult a vet before concluding Clean the main tank thoroughly and maintain the quality of tank water and the environment consistently Observe tank mates for infection |
Cotton Mouth Highly Contagious, Difficult to treat |
External or internal infection due to bacteria entering the body Contaminated material entering the tank Environmental stress (handling, transportation, tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet Wound |
Gray or white lining around the mouth which slowly develops into cotton-like fungus Excess mucus near the gills Loss of appetite Random scratches on the body White spots near the mouth, fins, scales Ulcer(s) on the body (advanced stages) Thin, wire-like poop might be observed
|
Isolate the affected fish into a quarantine tank Add aquarium salt Both tank water tank parameters should be fixed after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Nutritional diet to strengthen immunity Consult a vet for complete treatment Treat with a gram-negative medication for Columnaris If it’s a similar disease but not Columnaris, gram-positive medication will show results If unsure, use both – gram-negative and positive medications Administer antibiotics Use medicated food to heal internal infection Observe tank mates for health issues |
Dropsy Contagious, mostly fatal |
Bacterial Infection impairs kidney function, causing water retention in the body Poor tank water quality Contaminated material entering the tank Environmental stress (handling, transportation, tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet |
Swollen belly despite normal feeding and not pregnant Protruding scales Bulging eyes Weird swimming, Pale body, pale feces, swollen/red anus, and curved spine, etc. might be observed |
Isolate affected fish into a separate tank Maintain a low enough water-level in the quarantine tank for the fish to breathe easily from top Observe tank mates for infection |
Furunculosis Contagious, mostly fatal |
Almost similar to Fish Vibriosis, but caused by a different bacteria (A. salmonicida) Bacteria enters the tank through any infected fish/object Enters through food (eating infected fish) or open wounds |
Blood/red colored boils on the body and in reproductive and digestive organs, with bloody discharge Bulging eyes Loss of appetite Breathing issues. Might jump a lot to get oxygen Lazy/laid back and remains at the bottom Darker body, pale gills Mucus in the stomach |
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Administer antibiotics Consult a vet at the earliest Use vaccination proactively Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Observe, if tank mates for health issues |
Fish Vibriosis Contagious, mostly fatal Can be passed from fish to humans |
Almost similar to Furunculosis but caused by a different bacteria (V. salmonicida, V. Anguillarum, V. Ordalii, V. Damsela) Bacteria enters the tank through any infected fish/object |
Skin hemorrhage Breathing issues. Might jump a lot to get oxygen Lazy/laid back and remains at the bottom |
Isolate the affected fish carefully (it can infect you), into a hospital tank Administer antibiotics Consult a vet at the earliest Use vaccination proactively Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and keep them optimal Observe tank mates for infection |
Fin Rot/Tail Rot Contagious |
Bacteria/Fungus, or both at the same time Poor tank environment Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Infection through wound |
Ragged fins/tails (shredding, stuck, deformed, etc.) Loss of tail/fin Black, white, brown spots on fins and tails Reddish skin near the fins or tails Loss of appetite Lethargic/inactive |
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment, as this can be caused by a variety of factors/diseases. Change the tank water and maintain an optimal environment in both the tanks Administer antibiotics through water/food Observe tank mates for infection |
Red Pest Not Contagious |
Poor tank environment Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet, and anything leading to weak immunity |
Red patches/ulcers on the body In dark-colored fishes, a red patch is not easier to notice, but clamped fins and Increased mucus can be observed Weird Swimming, Breathing issues, and Popping eye(s) may be observed Can lead to other diseases, if not treated by fixing water parameters (a major culprit – 90%) |
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Add 5 teaspoons of non-iodized salt/per gallon of water Add over-the-counter medication for external bacterial infection Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Feed a nutritional diet to improve immunity Consult a vet |
Scale Protrusion |
Poor diet, and anything leading to weak immunity
Poor tank environment Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) |
Protruding or conical scales without bloating (unlike dropsy)
|
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Feed nutritional food to improve immunity Administer antibiotics through food Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and keep them optimal |
| Table B. Common Fungal Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Type | Causes | Symptoms | Basic Treatment |
Body Fungus
Contagious, mostly fatal |
A water fungus that reaches tank (and thus the fishes) through contaminated food or open wounds Infected tank environment (affected food, fish, etc.) Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet and anything leading to weak immunity |
White to cotton-like patches on the body, fins, tails, or gills Infected fish eggs turn white Granuloma Lesions in internal organs might be observed This might have infected more fish, but signs are not visible till advanced stages |
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Consult a vet at the earliest and administer over-the-counter medication, bath treatments, etc. as directed (including surgical removal of granuloma) Identify and eradicate the cause of fungus in the tank environment Disinfectify the main tank Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Consider adding UV sterilizer to the tank Nutritional feeding |
Ichthyosporidium Contagious, mostly fatal |
Fungus invades kidney, liver, and internal organs Infected tank environment (affected food, fish, etc.) Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet and anything leading to weak immunity |
Loss of appetite Erratic swimming (loss of balance) Lazy/laid back/inactive Shrunken belly External lesions/cysts (advanced stages) |
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Consult a vet at the earliest and administer over-the-counter medication through water and food Disinfectify the main tank Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Nutritional diet
|
Branchiomycosis Contagious, mostly fatal |
Poor fish tank management inducing fungal infection Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet and anything leading to weak immunity Also infects brackish water fishes |
Impacts blood circulation through the gills resulting in pale gills Respiratory issues/ gasping for air on top of the tank Loss of appetite/refuses to eat
|
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Consult a vet at the earliest for treatment Disinfectify the main tank Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Nutritional diet |
Dermatomycosis Contagious, mostly fatal |
Poor fish tank management inducing fungal infection Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet and anything leading to weak immunity |
Small hair-like suspension in the infected body part The hair-like suspensions become bloody in advanced stages Infected eggs stick to each other and die
|
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Consult a vet at the earliest for treatment Disinfectify the main tank Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Nutritional diet |
| Table C. Common Viral Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Type | Causes | Symptoms | Basic Treatment |
Lymphocystis Not contagious
|
Virus enters the tank through an infected fish addition or live food
|
Random cauliflower-like lumps on body resembling Breathing/mobility issues depending in the density of growth in various parts
|
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank till it cures There is no treatment unless it cures itself Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and keep them optimal Nutritional diet Consult a vet Observe other tank mates for infection if any |
| Table D. Common Parasitic Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Name/Type |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Basic Treatment |
Velvet Marine Velvet Some classify it as a protozoan disease Contagious, maybe fatal
|
Infected fish, food, plants, or decor added to the tank Poor tank management induces parasites in the tank Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet or anything lowering immunity gets the fish infected Parasite multiplies in the tank and starts infecting more and more fish, if not checked
|
Thin yellow/light brownish layer on the skin as the parasite hosts the skin/gills The parasite drops on the plants etc. after some time and multiplies Rubbing/scratching against hard surfaces in the tank due to itching Lethargic Fallen Fins resting on the abdomen Skin peeling (advanced stages) Breathing issues Loss of appetite |
Isolate affected fish into a separate tank Dim the tank light to prevent the parasite from multiplying (using photosynthesis) Increase the water temperature (of separate tank) Use over-the-counter medication Consult a vet Disinfect the tank decor Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and maintain them consistently Observe other tank mates for infection |
Flukes
|
Flatworms drill into the gills or skin (not visible to the naked eye) These holes can result in other infections Droopy/clamped fins Excess mucus covering the skin/gills Loss of appetite Breathing issues Gills look chewed/inflamed skin/hollow belly might be observed |
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Disinfect the tank decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Use over-the-counter medication for anti-worming Consult a vet |
|
Nematoda Contagious, may be fatal in later stages |
Worms can be seen hanging out of the anus Sunken belly (in extreme cases) Loss of appetite Laidback/inactive Erratic swimming |
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Sterilize the tank and decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Consult a vet Use over-the-counter medication through bath or food |
|
Leeches Contagious, may be fatal in later stages |
Curled leeches are seen anywhere on the body They suck blood on their skin/other parts Lethargic
|
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Consult a vet as it involves bathing the fish in salt solution and/or detaching the sucker leech with forceps without hurting the fish Disinfect the tank decor Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and maintain them consistently |
|
Anchor Worm
|
Anchor worms latch into the fish’s flesh Rest of the white worm’s body can be seen hanging outside the fish body Leave ugly holes of they die after leaving eggs in the fish, which can cause further complications, if not treated
Inflamed skin near the anchored area(s) Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank |
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Consult a vet as it involves bathing the fish in medicated solution and/or detaching the worm(s) without hurting the fish Sterilize the tank decor Fix both the tank water parameters after thorough cleaning and keep them optimal |
|
Ergasilus Contagious, may be fatal in later stages |
Similar to Anchor worm, but smaller in size and hook to the gills only Rest of the worm’s body can be seen hanging outside the gills Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank
|
Isolate affected fish into a separate tank Consult a vet as it involves bathing the fish in medicated solution and/or detaching the worm(s) without hurting the fish Disinfect the tank and decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently |
|
Fish louse Contagious |
Visible flat bug on the fish body Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Droopy/clamped fins Irritated/red skin around the bug |
Isolate affected fish into a quarantine tank Consult a vet as it involves bathing the fish in medicated solution and/or detaching the lice without hurting the fish Sterilize the tank and decor Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently |
|
Black Spot Contagious |
Small black dots/spots on the body and around the mouth Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Restless/stressed fish |
Isolate affected fish into a hospital tank Consult a vet Administer salt baths and over-the-counter medicines as directed Disinfect the tank and decor Fix both the tank water parameters after a thorough cleaning and maintain them consistently |
|
| Table E. Common Protozoan Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Name/Type |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Basic Treatment |
Ich Marine Ich / Crypt / Contagious, maybe fatal |
Infected fish, plants, or decor added to the tank Infected equipment used in tanks Poor tank management induces parasites in the tank Temperature changes Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet or anything lowering immunity gets the fish infected Parasite multiplies in the tank and starts infecting more and more fish, if not checked |
White Spots or group of such spots on the skin/fins Breathing difficulty as the gills get affected Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Droopy/clamped fins Excessive mucus Loss of appetite Laidback/inactive, bloody scratches (advanced stages)
|
Isolate in a quarantine tank Treatment depends on the life cycle phase of parasite viz. free swimming, cyst, or adult phase) It’s easiest if detected in free swimming phase using chemical treatment Consult a vet Increase the water temperature Add aquarium salt (as directed by vet) Use over-the-counter medication Disinfect the tank and decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Observe other tank mates for health issues |
TetrahymenaPyriformis(Uronema in Freshwater) Uronema Marinum Contagious, Maybe fatal
|
Same as above |
Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Ulcers on the body Droopy/clamped fins Breathing issues Loss of color Dehydration Excessive mucus Loss of appetite Large wounds (advanced stages) |
Isolate in a hospital tank Consult a vet Use over-the-counter medication, antibiotic, Freshwater bath (for marine fishes), as directed Disinfect the tank and decor Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Observe other tank mates for infection
|
Ichthyobodosis Ichthyobodosis in Marine Fish Contagious
|
|
The skin turns misty/frosted/milky Laidback/inactive Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Breathing issues Excess mucus Bluish-gray layer on the skin (advances stages)
|
Isolate in a quarantine tank Consult a vet Increase the water temperature Use over-the-counter medication for Ick Salt-water baths (for freshwater fishes as directed) Sterilize the tank and decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Observe other tank mates for health issues |
SalmonidWhirling Disease Contagious |
|
The protozoan attacks head and spine Swimming in whirly pattern Structural deformity/dent in head Black/darkened tail Fatal as fish cannot swim or save itself from predators |
Isolate in a separate tank No known treatment. It will eventually die Consult a vet Disinfect the tank and decor Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Observe other tank mates for infection |
Brooklynellosis Contagious, Fatal |
|
Loss of appetite Scratches on the body Excessive mucus Scratching against hard surfaces in the tank Breathing issues Inactive/sluggish |
Isolate in a hospital tank Consult a vet Sterlize the tank and its decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Observe other tank mates for infection |
Hexamitiasis
Contagious |
This disease is caused by Protozoa and should not be confused with HeadIin-The-Hole or Head-Lateral-Line-Erosion, as they have different causes |
The protozoa impact affects lower intestine Thin, slimy excreta Loss of appetite Loss of weight Hides in the corner Thinning of the head skin Darkened body color (advances stages) |
Isolate in a hospital tank Consult a vet Treatment includes over-the-counter medication through water and food Disinfect the tank and decor Fix both the tank water parameters after a thorough cleaning and keep them optimal Observe other tank mates for infection |
Neon Tetra Disease Contagious, Fatal
|
|
This is a degenerative disease caused by the protozoa Infected fish get cysts, which break into spores and spread into the tank water. Thus invading other fishs’ digestive tracts Loss of bright color in any area of the body Weird swimming Whitened areas in the flesh
|
Isolate in a separate tank Consult a vet There is no cure and it spreads quickly Sterilize the tank and its decor Clean both the tanks thoroughly. Fix and maintain the tank water parameters consistently Observe other tank mates for infection (chances are they might be already infected and meeta similar fate) |
| F. Common Miscellaneous Diseases in Fish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Name/Type |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Basic Treatment |
Red-spot Disease |
Caused by a seasonal epidemic fungus called Aphanomycesinvadans Affects fresh/brackish water fishes Adding infected fish/plant to the aquarium
|
Red spot on the skin Scratches on the skin lead to ulcers and tuffs Formation of granulomas internally (advances stages) |
Isolate in a quarantine tank Consult a vet There is no cure Disinfect the tank and its decor Fix water parameters for both tanks after cleaning them thoroughly. Maintain them consistently Observe other tank mates for infection |
Swim Bladder Disease Not contagious, |
Swim Bladder is caused due to: Poor tank water quality Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) High Ammonia level
|
Balance issues while swimming Swimming or floating weirdly (upside down, sideways, etc.) Bloated belly (though not pregnant or overfed) Loss of appetite Disorder may be temporary/permanent |
Isolate the fish in a hospital tank with a lower water level to help it breathe easily Consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment Often cured Fix both the tank water parameters after a thorough cleaning and keep them optimal Observe other tank mates for symptoms |
Hole-In-The-Head (HITH) Not contagious in earlier stages |
No specific cause Poor tank management Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet or anything leading to reduced immunity Even Hexamitiasis can cause holes in the body and head in advanced stages |
Dents/pits in the head/face/lateral line which might result in other infections Large cavities (advanced stages)
|
Isolate in a quarantine tank Consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment Nutritional diet Fix both the tank water parameters after cleaning them thoroughly and keep them consistent Look after other tank mates for health issues |
Scoliosis Not contagious |
Genetic or Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet, or anything leading to reduced immunity |
Curved back/spine Swimming issues (due to crooked spine) |
Isolate and prevent them from mating till the cause is diagnosed and fixed Consult a vet
|
Pop-eye (Exophtalmia) Not likely to be contagious |
Due to bacteria, fungus, or other diseases Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Vitamin deficiency Inappropriate aquarium lighting Poor diet
|
Eye(s) look bulging or out of the eye socket Swelling Blindness Misty/opaque cornea |
Isolate the infected fish Consult a vet to identify the cause and treatment Nutritional diet Fixing stress factors in the tank (including tank lighting)
|
Skinny/Wasting |
Internal Parasites, or Environmental stress (handling, transportation, aggressive tank mates, overcrowding, etc.) Poor diet
|
Unexplained weight loss despite proper eating
|
Isolate in a quarantine tank Treatment will vary according to the root cause Consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment Nutritional diet
|
Ammonia/Nitrate Poisoning Can be fatal |
High level of Ammonia or Nitrate due to New tanks, with incomplete/no nitrogen cycling Poor tank management Overfeeding (leading to uneaten waste rotting in the bottom)
|
Laid back/inactive Fading color Loss of appetite Breathing issues Swimming issues Dis-oriented in the tank Brown/purple/bleeding gills Droopy/ragged fins Eye problems Curved spine |
Ensure to complete a nitrogen cycle in the new tank before adding the fishes Close monitoring after fixing Maintain optimal tank environment Nutritional food. Don’t overfeed Break the tank before adding fish to a new aquarium |
Prevention
The root causes of any disease are a poor tank environment, stress, overfeeding, or malnutrition. Keep these in check and your fishes will thank you.
Simple steps to ensure happy and healthy fishes are listed below.
General Factors
- Acclimatethe fishes before adding them to the aquarium.
- Ensure the nitrogen cycle is completed or the tank is broken if using a new fish tank.
- Everything in the tank should have rounded corners.
- Enough space between all decor for all tank-dwellers to swim through.
- Apt tank size, decor, lighting, plants, etc.
- Oxygen and Filtration
- Maintain the required tank water parameters consistently (including periodic cleaning and water changes).
- Give them a regular balanced diet. Avoid overfeeding.
- Avoid overcrowding the tank.
- Choose tank mates wisely (to avoid aggression, stress, wounds, etc. within tank mates).
- Ensure everything that goes into the tank is high quality and free of any bacteria/parasites (from water to decor, to fishes, to food)
- Also read about Dropsy, and its preventive measures.
Red Flags
Physical Indicators
- Unexplained weight gain/loss.
- Unexplained change in appetite.
- Spots, wounds, holes, damaged body parts.
- Unexplained color changes.
- Weird swimming pattern.
- Breathing issues – coming to the top level and gasping for air.
Stress Indicators
They can be observed in behavioral and some physical changes like
- Inactive, lazy, and less active than usual.
- Might even lay down in a cozy corner in the tank.
- Swimming weirdly.
- Gasping for air or breathlessness.
- Choosing to hide in the tank decor to avoid particular tank mate(s).
- Unexplained loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss
Conclusion
Maintaining proper hygiene and choosing your fish collection wisely with an apt tank decor is the key to happy tank-dwellers.
Hopefully, you are now empowered to keep your pet fishes healthy.
We wish your fish a speedy recovery and a happy fish-parenting time to you!
