Symptoms of Rot
The edges of the fins begin to blacken or darken, after which deterioration occurs leaving the fins as stubs and the fish practically immobile.
Difficulty swimming.
Prominent, exposed fin rays (the long, structural spikes of the fins).
Blood on the fins.
Skin irritations.
Causes of Rot
Cases of rot on a fish’s body are generally bacterial infections. They can be caused by poor water quality of the aquarium or in stressed fish being bullied; fin nipping. Injuries, rubbing against tank equipment, decorations, etc, or flashing of the scales can lead to an infection in a compromised tank.
What is Fin Rot?
Fin rot is caused by a bacterial infection and leads to the deterioration of the fish’s fins. Mouth and body rot may also occur. The affected areas break down leaving the fish vulnerable to secondary infections, starvation, and incapable of controlling its movements. It is most common in poorly kept aquaria.
Treatment of Fin Rot
Antibiotics such as Maracyn I & II, Methyl blue, Melafix (Not recommended for labyrinth fishes). If the rot is caused by a problem in water quality, the problem may be easily fixed by proper water changes. However, you may still need to reat with an antibiotic to help stop the rot.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Fin rot.
Emaciation (the fish becomes very thin and develops a sunken belly).
Lethargy; sluggishness.
Deformity.
Causes of Tuberculosis
Poor water quality.
Over crowding.
Transmitted from an infected fish.
What is Tuberculosis?
You may be familiar with tuberculosis in humans. It, like fin rot, is a bacterial infection. However, the symptoms are far more severe and lead to death more often. It is a difficult disease to treat, partly due to the rapid deterioration of the fish’s system.
Treatment of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis usually leads to death. It is necessary to quarantine the affected fish, as the disease is transmittable. Care should be taken in handling the fish, as it could be transmitted to humans, although difficult. A supplemental treatment of Vitamin B-6 has been recommended in the past to boost the fish’s immune system. If this treatment results in no improvement, euthanasia is suggested due to the danger of the disease and the pain the fish is in.
The treatment is described:
“The most effective treatment known for this disease is to treat with Kanamycin and Vitamin B-6 for 30 days. Kanamycin can be purchased at your local fish store. Liquid baby vitamins work well as s Vitamin B-6 source. They are available at your local pharmacy. Add one drop per every 5 gallons of aquarium water during treatment.” (Animal-world.com)
Written by Leah C.
Resources: Personal reserach and experience; aquaticcommunity.com; animal-world.com; aquariumcorner.com; peteducation.com.
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