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