Dwarf Gourami in a home aquarium.

Aquarium Diseases

Disease is something that is a normal part of keeping any type of pet, and this is even true with aquarium fish. Various environmental and genetic factors can influence the health of your aquarium fish. Thus it is wise to learn about the proper living conditions of the types of fish you are keeping and what you can do to promote healthy living conditions in your aquarium. Since, in the end, the best treatment for any aquarium disease is to prevent it from occurring at all.

To promote the best health in your aquarium fish it is essential that water conditions are optimal for the specific species you are keeping. Make sure that water hardness, pH levels and temperature are all in the same range that the fish would be used to if living in their natural habitat. You can buy pH buffers, and other additives to adjust your water to the proper levels for your fish. You should also use a chlorine remover to treat your tap water when setting up a tank and after every water change.
Several Silver Angelfish in a home aquarium.

Regular Preventative Maintenance

Regular aquarium maintenance is essential to keeping your fish healthy. Dirty water increases the stress levels of aquarium fish and reduces their ability to fight off parasites and bacteria. Doing weekly partial water changes will help keep the water clean and promote better health of all aquarium fish.

Even with the best water conditions and regular maintenance, it is not always possible to keep your fish from getting sick. Here are some of the most common diseases with their symptoms and recommendations for treating them:

Bacterial Infections:

  • Fin Rot – This infection causes the fins of the fish to become very frayed and damaged. If untreated, the fish can be extremely damaged and it can be fatal. This infection can be treated with Maracyn-Two, Furan-2 or E.M. Erythromycin.
  • Mouth and Body Fungus – The infected fish will develop white growths on its mouth or body and fins. This infection can be treated with Furan-2 or E.M. Erythromycin.
  • Hemorrhagic Septicemia – The infected fish will develop red blood like streaks on its body and fins. This infection can be treated with Furan-2 or E.M. Erythromycin.
  • Hole-in-the-Head - The infected fish will develop hole like ulcers in the head region, which will appear as holes in its head. This infection can be treated with Furan-2.

External Parasites:

  • Costiasis – The infected fish will have a slimy blue to white color on its scales and gills. The fish will scratch against objects in the tank as if trying to rub it off. This infection can be treated with General Cure or Copper Safe.
  • Gill and Skin Flukes – The infected fish will have visible inflamed gills and patches on its scales. The fish will scratch against objects in the tank as if trying to rub it off. This infection can be treated using General Cure or Copper Safe..
  • Fish Louse – The infected fish will display nervous swimming and jumpiness together with frequent scratching against objects in the tank. This infection can be treated using General Cure.
  • White Spot – This infection is more commonly know as Ick. The infected fish will develop white spots on its body and will scratch against objects in the tank as if trying to rub it off. White Spot or Ich can be treated and cured using Copper Safe.