Common Aquarium Fish Diseases
White Spot Disease
A common ailment that responds to treatment well, although it is best to treat the whole tank.
Tailrot/Finrot
Look for torn, ragged or stuck- together fins. Try to treat at early stage - if the rot reaches the body, cure is unlikely.
Velvet Disease
Infected fish have a dusty look, the treatment is similar to White Spot.
Skin/Gill Flukes
Watch for fish scratching themselves on rocks or plants, this nasty parasite causes colour to fade and fish to become feeble - they may rest near the surface. It responds well to treatment.
Slimy Skin
A thin grey film that covers their body - usually in response to parasites.
Pox
White spots that join to form patches. Fish become emaciated and twisted - often caused by poor condition and food.
Fungus
Usually only attacks fish weakened by other poor conditions, disease or parasites. Healthy fish will not be affected.
Mouth Fungus
Unlike body fungus, this requires specific treatment.
Eye Infections
Cloudy, protruding eyes could be the sign of fungus, bacteria, parasites or even fish tuberculosis.
Dropsy
Highly contagious and difficult to cure, the fish's body can become so bloated that the scales protrude. Sick fish must be removed at once.
Fungal infections often arise at the site of any physical damage sustained by the fish. They can also occur as “secondary infections” at sites where there is an existing infection (for instance around ulcers). Fungus is present at low levels in the tank all of the time, and it is only when the fish is stressed or damaged that it tends to cause a problem. TetraMedica FungiStop is a remedy specifically designed to cure fungal diseases.
Parasitic infections are those caused by parasites. Parasites come in a variety of shapes and forms, and it is usually necessary to examine them under a microscope in order to identify them. There are some common parasites that are easier to identify, for example white spot (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) appears as small white dots over the skin and fins. Fish tanks that are very crowded, with poor water quality, are most at risk from parasite problems. TetraMedica ContraSpot is designed to cure the majority of fish parasite problems.
