| While tropical fish can be a wonderful hobby | | | | |
| that many people enjoy, they also can be | | | | * White spots on tropical fish are a very |
| susceptible to diseases that if not caught | | | | common disease that has a habit of showing up |
| early on can lead to early death of the fish | | | | in new aquariums. This is usually an |
| and also risk of it spreading to other fish | | | | indication that a parasite is making its home |
| in the same habitat. Although there are | | | | in your aquarium. Again, there are a number |
| literally hundreds of diseases that tropical | | | | of treatments available for this and many |
| fish can acquire, there is usually only a | | | | stores recommend that new aquariums be |
| handful that most owners have to be on the | | | | treated before any fish are introduced. |
| watch for. Let's look at some of them and | | | | |
| help you understand how to identify them. | | | | * If your fish appear bloated this is a |
| | | | symptom of a bacterial infection. It may also |
| * Sometimes, straight from the store, fish | | | | be indicated by what appears to be raised |
| will die. This is usually caused by something | | | | fins. Most of the time the cause is poor |
| that is termed "new tank syndrome" and while | | | | water conditions. Check your filter and if |
| not a disease as we traditionally think of | | | | necessary, upgrade the filter to handle your |
| them, it can be a problem unless you learn | | | | aquarium size. There are medications |
| how to avoid it. All new fish should be | | | | available but they rarely work unless the |
| introduced gradually to any environment. A | | | | root cause (poor water) is resolved. |
| minimum of 24-48 hours of keeping the bag the | | | | |
| fish is in from the store emerged in the new | | | | * If your fish appear to have flaking scales, |
| water will usually take care of this problem. | | | | or dull color this can also be a sign of poor |
| However, if it persists it could be an | | | | water conditions or the presence of |
| indication that the water is not the right | | | | parasites. The parasites carry a disease |
| temperature for them to survive or that there | | | | known as slime disease and there are |
| are contaminants in the water that is causing | | | | medications available for this. The poor |
| the sudden death. | | | | water can be solved as noted above. |
| | | | |
| * If you see something that looks like wool | | | | We've given you a quick overview of some of |
| or cotton on the fish that does not mean they | | | | the more common conditions you may notice in |
| are preparing for winter. It is a sign of an | | | | your aquarium with your tropical fish. By |
| infection and if caught early enough can be | | | | making sure you keep on top of the general |
| treated with an anti-fungal and/or a salt | | | | health of your fish you can ensure that they |
| bath. Most experts recommend the anti-fugal | | | | will provide years of enjoyment and beauty in |
| treatment, and many pet and fish stores can | | | | your home or office. |
| recommend what it best for your environment. | | | | |