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Fish Health
Anchor Worms in Fish
Anchor Worm Infection In Fish There are many skin parasites that infect fishes. One such parasite is the anchor worm. However, despite its name, it is not a worm, but a large, parasitic crustacean of the Lernaea species. And although the parasite can infect any fish, pond fishes are most susceptible. Once attached to the fish's skin, it buries its head deep into the muscle tissue. Symptoms and Types A fish infected with anchor worms will have red and inflamed skin irritations.
Anemia in Fish
Anemia is a heart and blood vessel condition which is recognized by the low number of red blood cells found in the animal.
Bacterial Infections (Aeromonas) in Fish
Aeromonas Infection Many types of bacteria can infect multiple organs of a fish. One such common infection is caused by the Aeromonas salmonicida bacteria. It is generally due to poor sanitation or nutrition, and is recognized by the red ulcers which cover the fish. Koi and goldfish are the pet fishes most susceptible to Aeromonas infections, as are most warm water and freshwater fishes. In severe cases, it can prove fatal for fishes.
Bone And Muscle Disorders in Fish
(Pleistophora Hyphessobryconis & Broken Back) Much like other animals, fishes can have bone and muscle disorders. Symptoms and Types One such bone and muscle disorder is Broken Back Disease, which is typically due to a vitamin C deficiency. This disease will literally bend the fish's backbone. However, injuries are sometimes the cause of an abnormal backbone. Another typical bone and muscle disorder is caused by the parasite Pleistophora hyphessobryconis.
Carp Pox in Fish
Carp Pox is a viral disease which is caused by the herpesvirus infection. It is one of the oldest diseases seen in fish. As the disease weakens the fish with infection and lesions, it leaves the fish susceptible to secondary infections by other microorganisms. The fish also become disfigured by the disease. This disease usually affects carp and koi, but can also infect other types of fishes, and is therefore also named fish pox. Symptoms and Types Initially, the Carp pox shows up as milky skin lesions, which are smooth and raised in appearance.
Common Eye Disorders in Fish
Eye Disorders In Fishes Eye disorders in fishes can be due to disease, infections, or injury. Symptoms and Types These disorders can cause the eye(s) of the affected fish to display any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Enlargement (giving an appearance of a popping eye)
- Blood in the eye
- Ulceration
- Disfigurement
- Parasites within the eye
- Abnormality around the eye
Environmental Gill Disorders in Fish
Environmental Gill Disorders Gills are special organs which allow fishes to breathe underwater. However, if a fish's environment is not well maintained, it can develop gill disorders. Of these, the three main disorders are gas bubble disease, carbon dioxide toxicity, and hydrogen sulfide toxicity.
- Gas bubble disease usually occurs in cold water systems. When the water in the tank, aquarium or fishpond has an abnormal amount of dissolved gases (i.e., nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide), fishes can develop gas bubble disease.
Fungal Infections in Fish
Saprolegnia and Ichthyophonus Hoferi Fungal infections in fish can cause damage to multiple body systems, such as the liver, kidney, and brain, and usually occur when the fish is in a weakened state, either due to injury or trauma.
Gas Bubble Disease in Fish
Gas Bubble Disease Gas bubble disease refers to the development of gases in a fish's bloodstream. This can occur when its aquarium or pond water is supersaturated with gases. Symptoms and Types Gas bubble disease damages the fish's tissue, causing tiny gas bubbles to form in the gills, fins, and eyes of the animal. This tissue damage, if extensive, can even lead to the fish's death. Causes Fishes are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature depends on the temperature of their environment.
Herpesvirus Diseases in Fish
Herpes Virus Herpesvirus is not only a human virus; it can just as easily infect fishes, too. In fishes, herpesvirus infections can cause a variety of diseases, including those can be fatal to the animal. Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) is a serious herpesvirus infection in the fry and fingerling – both fish young – of the channel catfish. CCV usually infects weak fishes that are stressed due to shipping and handling, a lack of oxygen in the water, or chemically treated water.
Kidney And Urinary Tract Disorders in Fish
Kidney Disorders There are few major kidney and urinary tract disorders seen in fishes. Of these the main kidney and urinary tract disorders are Renal Dropsy, Carp-dropsy complex, and Proliferative kidney disease (PKD).
- Renal dropsy in fishes is caused by the parasite, Sphaerospora auratus. Renal dropsy usually occurs in pond-raised goldfish. There is damage to the kidneys and swelling of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation is the most common sign of renal dropsy.
Lice And Leeches in Fish
Lice And Leeches Parasites are commonly the cause of skin disorders in fishes. In particular, external parasites, such as lice and leeches, are usually bloodsuckers which can lead to fatal anemia (reduced number of red blood cells) in the fish. Both lice and leeches attach themselves to the fish, and then penetrate the skin to feed. Symptoms and Types Lice lie flat against the fish's skin and are appear like small, clear disks. Leeches, on the other hand, are worm-like and contract when touched.
Nutritional Disorders in Fish
Nutritional Disorders Many fishes suffer from nutritional disorders because of a poor diet. Nutritional disorders are the most common reason for sickness and death in aquarium, tank or fishpond fishes. Reasons and Prevention 1. Nutritional imbalance in commercial food: Fishes can be either plant eaters (herbivores), meat eaters (carnivores), or both (omnivores).
Parasitic Digestive Disorders in Fish
Digestive Disorders Most digestive disorders in fishes are caused by parasite infections. However, not all parasites cause problems for fishes -- some live in a symbiotic relationship with the fishes. Symptoms and Types The symptoms can vary depending on the parasite causing the digestive disorders, but usually include weight loss, lethargy and loss of appetite. Young fishes are especially susceptible to digestive disorders and can die before any symptoms arise.
Parasitic Infection in Fish
Neobenedinia In Saltwater Fish There are many parasites which cause skin and gill damage in fish. One such parasite is the Capsalid parasites of saltwater fish. The capsalid parasite, Neobenedinia, is much larger than other fish parasites and can therefore inflict more damage. Symptoms and Types The parasites damage the skin -- the protective barrier against water-borne organisms -- and gills, causing sores, ulcers and small bleeding spots all over the fish's body. Due to the damage to the gills, the infected fish have difficulty breathing.
Parasitic Infections Of Gills in Fish
(Dactylogyrus And Neobenedinia Infections) There are many parasites which can infect a fish's gills, causing various diseases and disorders in these organs. The fish usually becomes pale and has difficulty breathing. Two common parasites which infect the gills of the fish include Dactylogyrus and Neobenedenia. Symptoms and Types
- Dactylogyrus is a gill parasite which most commonly infects koi, discus and goldfish, and appears like a small worm under the microscope.
Skin Parasites in Fish
(Dactylogyrus And Gyrodactylus ) There are many types of parasites that can infect a fish's skin. Two such microscopic parasites are Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus. These are tiny flatworms, which infect goldfish, koi and other types of fish. Symptoms and Types Fishes infected with these parasites will display sores and ulcers on the skin and gills, have a pale skin color, and be covered with small hemorrhages. Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus infections should be diagnosed and treated quickly because they can become fatal for your fish.
Tumors And Cancers in Fish
Tumors And Cancers Fishes develop tumors and cancers, much like humans and other animals. However, sharks are a type of fish which never develops cancers. Symptoms and Types Most tumors are seen as bumps or lumps under the fish's skin. But the location and signs of the tumor can be different for each fish, and depend greatly on the type of tumor. Unfortunately, internal tumors or cancers display symptoms once it has become to late to save the fish. Also, the fish’s ability to eat and swim will be affected, causing a rapid decline in its health.
Viral Infection (Lymphocystis) in Fish
Lymphocystis Disease Lymphocystis disease is a common viral infection which affects the skin and fins of saltwater and freshwater fish. Although it is serious, it does not cause any health problems; the disease only disfigures the fish. Fishes kept in aquariums or outside in ponds, are both susceptible to Lymphocystis disease. The painted glassfish is the most prone aquarium fish to contract this infection. Symptoms and Types The viral infection causes growths on the skin or fins, which look similar to cauliflowers.
