Caring for the health of aquarium fish requires constant observation and understanding of the main symptoms and abnormal behaviors that indicate illness. Fish, like other animals, can become ill for a variety of reasons, and unlike other more expressive pets, they tend to hide symptoms until the disease is advanced. Therefore, it is essential for the caregiver to be familiar with their fish's routine and natural behavior in order to detect symptoms early. any problem.
Why is it important to quickly identify a sick fish?
Detecting a disease in fish early is essential to prevent the problem from worsening or spreading to the rest of the aquarium's inhabitants. early diagnostic It allows the affected fish to be isolated and the appropriate treatment to be applied, which significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of infection.
Most fish diseases manifest themselves primarily through changes in behavior, physical appearance, and sometimes through specific symptoms that can be observed with the naked eye or with the aid of a magnifying glass. Therefore, detecting the first symptoms is key to effective intervention.
Main symptoms in the behavior of sick fish
Some of the main behavioral changes that can alert you to a sick fish are:
- Rejection of food: When a fish stops eating its usual food or shows a noticeable decrease in its appetite.
- Isolation: It is common for a sick fish to try to leave the group or stay in corners of the aquarium.
- Irregular swimming: Erratic movements, swimming in circles, difficulty maintaining buoyancy, staying at the bottom or near the surface.
- Back and forth motion: If the fish rocks back and forth or side to side.
- Rubbing against objects: Fish scratches against stones, plants, or other objects in the aquarium, which usually indicates the presence of external parasites or irritation.
- Labored breathing or gasping: Breathing close to the surface or rapid gill movements indicate a lack of oxygen or gill infections.
- Loss of reaction: The fish does not respond normally when trying to catch it with a net or when approaching the aquarium glass.
Physical signs of disease in fish
In addition to changes in behavior, there are physical symptoms that can clearly warn of an illness:
- Changes in colorationA paler coloration may be due to anemia, lack of oxygen, insufficient lighting, or an attack by external parasites. On the other hand, a permanent darkening of the color is often associated with serious illnesses such as tuberculosis or intestinal problems.
- Folded or frayed finsFins that are stuck to the body, with whitish edges, irregularities, or visible damage usually indicate bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Torn or bleeding fins can be a sign of fin rot or fish fighting.
- Sunken abdomen: It's a sign of malnutrition, rickets, or tuberculosis. In advanced cases, the skin may acquire a rough, sandpaper-like texture.
- Bulging belly: It may be due to constipation, ascites, or dropsy. The latter two causes are usually serious and require immediate attention, as they are caused by bacteria and can be highly contagious.
- Bulging or sunken eyesBulging of the eyes (exophthalmos) may be associated with serious infections or internal problems.
- Spots on the skinWhite spots are characteristic of parasitic diseases such as white spot, while red spots may indicate sepsis or infections. Black spots may be associated with tumors.
- Ruffled or flaking scales: It is a typical symptom of dropsy, a disease related to kidney disorders or internal infections.
- Cottony formations: They indicate fungal infections, especially if they appear on the skin, fins, or mouth.
Most common diseases in aquarium fish
- White spot disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)It is recognized by the appearance of small white spots on the skin and fins. It is highly contagious and usually occurs due to stress or sudden changes in water quality.
- Fin rot: Produced primarily by bacteria, it causes fins to fray, lose color, and may even disappear. It usually affects weakened fish or those in aquariums with poor water quality.
- Dropsy: It is characterized by a swollen abdomen and raised scales. It is usually associated with bacterial infections in the internal organs and is difficult to cure in advanced stages.
- External parasites: Fish can be infested by parasites such as scabies, trichodines or worms that cause irritation, jerky movements and rubbing against objects.
- Fungal infections: Fungi proliferate on wounds or weakened skin, forming white, cotton-like plaques.
- Disordered swim bladder: Causes the fish to swim sideways, upside down, or float. It can be the result of improper nutrition, infections, or birth defects.
Main causes of fish diseases
Diseases can appear due to multiple factors, among the most frequent are:
- StressStress caused by sudden environmental changes, overcrowding, species incompatibility, or poor water quality weakens fish's immune systems, making them more prone to illness. You can learn more about how to avoid these causes at reasons why fish die.
- poor water qualityHigh levels of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, inadequate pH, or lack of oxygen are very common causes of health problems. For specific care, check most common diseases in coldwater fish.
- Lack of adequate nutritionNutritional deficiencies or monotonous diets can cause illnesses due to general weakness or developmental problems.
- Introduction de peces sick: Failure to quarantine new specimens may introduce pathogens into the aquarium.
- Lack of hygiene in the aquariumDirty aquariums and the accumulation of food remains encourage the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and parasites.
What to do if we identify a sick fish?
Ante any anomaly In the behavior or physical appearance of a fish, it is essential:
- Isolate the affected fish: Place it in a hospital aquarium or separate container to avoid contagion and facilitate treatment.
- Observe the symptoms in detail: Analyze all the signs present to try to identify the specific disease.
- Consult a veterinarian specializing in fish: In case of doubt or serious symptoms, it is best to consult a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
- Improve aquarium conditions: Perform partial water changes, check parameters (pH, temperature, nitrites, nitrates, and oxygen), and ensure the environment is optimal for the species.
- Apply drug treatments if necessaryTreatment depends on the cause. It may include antiparasitics, antibiotics, antifungals, or the use of aquarium salt to aid recovery. Specific products are available on the market, and their dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the condition and the type of fish.
- Avoid overfeeding: Provides just the right amount of food to prevent deterioration of water quality.
Prevention: keys to avoiding the appearance of diseases
- Maintain good water quality: Use filters appropriate to the size of the aquarium and perform frequent partial changes to reduce contaminant buildup.
- Provide a varied and balanced diet: Adapt your diet to the needs of each species to keep their immune system strong.
- Do not overpopulate the aquarium: Respect the optimal capacity and number de peces by volume of water to avoid stress and fights.
- Carry out quarantines: Introduce new fish only after a period of isolation to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Maintain a stable and species-appropriate environment.
- Clean the aquarium regularly: Remove organic debris and perform periodic maintenance on equipment and decorative objects to prevent the accumulation of infectious agents.
Treatment of fish diseases
Treatment of fish diseases is usually done by adding medication to the water or by using specific therapies depending on the disease:
- Antibiotics: Such as enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol, metronidazole, or oxytetracycline, which are especially indicated for bacterial infections. Their use must be controlled to avoid damaging the beneficial bacterial flora in the aquarium.
- AntisepticsMethylene blue, malachite green, chloramine, or special salts can be used to treat fungal infections and various external diseases.
- Antiparasitics: There are specific commercial products to combat parasites in the aquarium.
- aquarium saltIn some cases, adding salt can help reduce stress and promote recovery, but it should always be done according to the needs of each species.
- Natural remedies and environmental improvementIn addition to chemical treatment, it is always a good idea to improve water quality, reduce stress, and ensure adequate nutrition.
Maintaining daily observations, ensuring a stable environment, and understanding the main symptoms, causes, and treatments are essential for maintaining the health of your aquarium fish. With preventive measures, prompt attention at the first signs, and the support of a veterinarian when necessary, it's possible to minimize disease and enjoy a healthy, vibrant aquarium.